Beddows refused to become embroiled in a political row this evening as the Argentine Police, the Argentine Government and the Argentine Army openly criticised the behaviour of the Milan and Sao Paulo fans post match after their 0-0 draw against Boca in the Bombanera last night yet he has published a statement stating his view of the events that unfolded after the final whistle.
It is expected that Sao Paulo manager, Nick Wheels will follow in the coming 24 hours.
It was a night of joy at first in Buenos Aries as both Sao Paulo (The Spoon Army) and Milan (Rossoneri) were in the Argentine capital on the same night – pre-match as thousands of fans poured into the cauldron of football all was peaceful and quiet – the red and black clad fans were mingling nicely together, with the Rossoneri fans chanting their favourite tunes in the city’s bars and plazas to Spoon instrumental music performed by their new Brazilian friends.
All was calm and jovial and even the Argentine police were laughing and joking with the fans with Roy Keane seemingly the butt of most jokes with both sets of fans passing around newspaper articles of the Youth Cup losing finalist amongst themselves, with the Irish manager being mocked by most newspapers for losing to the relegated manager of Noisy.
Both games were important for both sides and in reality both came away with a positive result… here is what followed according to Beddows…
90 mins at the Bombanera – as soon as the final whistle blew and Milan’s 5000 travelling fans and the players knew that mathematically at least they were promoted. Beddows and the players, led by inspirational leader Mario Balotelli ran onto the pitch jumping joyously for joy.
The Milan fans were in good voice signing the names of all and sundry and even negated to sing negative songs about their hated rival managers such as Brian Clough, DP 91 and Frank Hirst.
It was a peaceful celebration and the fans were signing happily when eventually the Argentine announcer asked them to disperse and as good Italian fans they did so…
90 mins at the El Monunmental – meanwhile across the city Sao Paulo has just completed a 2-0 over River Plate and like the Milan fans the Sao Paulo fans (12000 of them) were kept behind in the old famous stadium and were furiously chanting Wheel’s name and clattering spoons against any implement they could find – all was peaceful – all was calm.
2 hours after the game – Once again the Spoons and Rossoneri fans were seen together in the Plaza’s and Bars of Bunoes Aries, they did become a little boistrious it is to be said as the Milan fans thought it would be funny to smash plates of Spaghetti at restaurants and bars to mock the River Plate fans to which the Spoon Army furiously voiced their approval – once again clattering their spoons across the city – the smashed plates were laughed off by everyone but then it all did kick off in truly shocking fashion as Milan superstar Mario Balotelli tweeted:
+FinallyMario45 To all Milan fans come back to the Bombanera and I will sign your shirts to thank you for your support…
It has to be said that what followed is nothing to do with the Boca or River fans who’d all dispersed quietly post-match resigned to their fates and according to Beddows the whole affair lies at the feet of the Argentine’s for failing to show an understanding of the power of football…
2 hours and 30 minutes after the game – This incredible opporutnity to meet Mario was too good to be missed and as such all of the 5000 Milan fans rushed back towards the Bombanera only to find their way blocked by lines of riot police.
“Shocking!”
2 hours and 45 minutes after the game – The Milan fans tried every route to the stadium yet all were blocked and Mario kept tweeting asking “Where are you…” and the Spoon Army fans quickly caught on to this unfair behaviour from the Argentine police and the two sets of fans got together and made the decision to storm the riot police as one.
3 hours after the game – The Sao Paulo fans encouraged by the Rossoneri stormed every restaurant in and around the Bombanera and stole spoons and together they converged on the Argentine police demanding that the Milan fans be let through – after 45 minutes of quite violent scuffles the line broke and the Milan fans charged for the players entrance and they got their wish – 10 minutes with Balotelli and the Milan players – Beddows has praised the teamwork of the sets of fans and refused to acknowledge the £1 million worth of damage and missing cutlery (spoons only) done to the city.
There were 145 arrests but both sets of fans refused to admit which club they were from and as such due to Argentine law all were released.
Boca boss Sir Kevin Wallace was left bewildered by the passion of the traveling fans and only wished he could be more like Beddows and Wheels and inspire such passion – maybe they’d be higher in the league!
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