Andrés Bracamonte, the notorious leader of the Rosario Central supporters’ gang, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Rosario. Known for his extensive history of violence and criminal activities, Bracamonte was banned from matches and had longstanding ties to organized crime. His death has been perceived as a retribution within the criminal underworld of Argentine football.
Andrés Bracamonte, infamously recognized as “Pillín,” the leader of a notorious football hooligan faction affiliated with Rosario Central, was shot dead in Rosario. He was fatally attacked by an assailant on a motorcycle, just blocks away from the club’s stadium shortly after a league match. Bracamonte had a long history of involvement in violent rivalries and had accumulated numerous legal issues, including accusations of money laundering and extortion, leading to his ban from attending matches. His death is viewed by many as a culmination of ongoing criminal conflicts within the hooligan culture of Argentina. His deputy, Daniel “Rana” Atardo, was also killed in the incident, which was characterized by significant media coverage due to Bracamonte’s notorious reputation and long-standing criminal affiliations. Doctors at a local hospital reported that they were unable to resuscitate either man after the shooting. Interestingly, despite being on the fringes of the football scene due to his ban, Bracamonte’s influence remained potent enough to embroil him in darker dealings beyond the sport, including purported connections with drug trafficking organizations such as Los Monos. This incident follows a recent series of violent episodes regarding the turf wars among rival gangs in the region, highlighting the underlying tensions in the subculture surrounding Argentine football. Additionally, Bracamonte had been subject to several assassination attempts, with the most recent in August resulting in minor injuries when he was shot at while with his partner. The persistent violent backdrop of football loyalty groups in Argentina underscores a troubling intersection of sport and organized crime, which continues to generate volatility in locales like Rosario.
The issue of football hooliganism in Argentina has been a long-standing concern, characterized by events of violence, organized crime, and retribution among competing factions. The influence of such hooligans extends beyond mere fandom as they frequently engage in criminal activities, which complicates societal perspectives on sports. The incident involving Bracamonte represents a significant loss within the hierarchy of football gangs, especially given his prolonged leadership role over more than two decades, coupled with the widespread criminal allegations surrounding him. Meanwhile, the Argentine authorities have been increasingly engaged in curbing the activities of such groups that have operated with impunity.
The assassination of Andrés Bracamonte is a stark reminder of the violent reality tied to football hooliganism in Argentina. His prominence as a gang leader, along with his extensive criminal history and accusations of connection to drug trafficking, speaks volumes about the dangers prevalent in the realm of Argentine football. The brutal nature of his death further exemplifies the ongoing turf wars and lawlessness that permeates supporter culture, prompting significant concern regarding safety and public order in relation to sports in the country.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
