Violence and death in Argentinean soccer in the new Millennium: Who is involved and what is at stake?

Abstract

This article analyzes episodes of violence and disorder, including deaths, related to soccer in Argentina, as identified in the online written press between 2006 and 2017. The aim is to present a sample of cases in order to reflect the domestic atmosphere of violence around the Argentinean game. Just as Eduardo Archetti and Amílcar Romero presented figures on violence between the 1950s and the 1980s, so our analysis explores a new type of violence, including killings by peers of the same supporter squad. Although the mass media, and public responses, tend to blame groups known as barras-bravas, we try to unpack different scenarios and assess the variety of interests and actors involved, which include “arrangements” with police and other authorities, as well as the aggression amongst the protagonists of the game itself. Consequently, we hope to update recent debates by revealing new trends and suggesting hypotheses for new research and public policies.