Two Rosario Central fans shot dead after football match in Argentina

Two members of an Argentinian football hooligan gang were shot outside Rosario Central's stadium on Saturday night, according to news agency AFP.

The victims, identified by the media as gang leader Andres "Pillin" Bracamonte and another member, Daniel "Rana" Atardo, were well-known figures in the "barrabrava" networks—mafia-like groups associated with several top Argentine football clubs and comprised of hardcore supporters.

Bracamonte, who was prohibited from attending Rosario Central matches due to his violent past, and Atardo were reportedly ambushed near the Gigante de Arroyito stadium, where Rosario Central suffered a 1-0 loss to San Lorenzo.

During his 25-year leadership of the Rosario barrabrava, Bracamonte had survived approximately 30 assassination attempts, as reported by the media. He had recently appeared in court on Friday for charges related to gender-based violence, with prosecutors seeking a two-year sentence. Additional charges against him included extortion, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering.

Fan violence is a frequent issue in Argentine football, with fights between supporters having led to over 350 deaths since the professional league's inception in the late 1800s, according to the NGO Salvemos al Futbol (Save Football).

( With input from agency)