Officials close Boca stadium after fan violence

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Government security officials have closed Boca Juniors' stadium as a penalty for fan violence at the end of a match on Wednesday against Independiente in the Copa Sudamericana.

Dario Ruiz, a top official of the office of Security Policy, on Thursday said Boca's Bombonera stadium would be closed for at least one league match.

Violence broke out after Independiente earned a 3-3 draw with a late penalty, and fans near the Independiente bench ripped down an advertising board. Boca said in a statement that it had identified four fans involved and said they would be banned from entering the stadium.

Violence threatens many matches in Argentine football, where hooligan gangs rule areas in and around the stadiums.

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