The Underground

 One of Argentina’s most infamous football hooligans was shot and killed on Saturday night. Andres “Pillin” Bracamonte, leader of Rosario Central’s “Barra Bravas” group was killed along with another member of the group Daniel “La Rana” Atardo. 

The attack occurred following Rosario Central’s match against San Lorenzo in the vicinity of the Gigante de Arroyito Stadium. Bracamonte and Atardo were travelling in a white pick-up truck just a stone’s throw from Rosario’s stadium when a motorcycle pulled up at an intersection and opened fire on the victims. 

Barra Bravas in Argentina are often closely linked to criminal gangs and have been described as “mafia-like” organizations. The 52 year old Bracamonte was also associated with the drug gang “Los Manos”. During his 25 years as leader of the Barra Bravas, Bracamonte had survived numerous attempts on his life. He was shot along with his girlfriend in August of this year, again in the streets surrounding Rosario Central’s stadium. 

Bracamonte had a long criminal history and was even suspected of participating in the murder of narco policeman Cristian Ibarra. At the time of his death Bracamonte was under investigation for allegedly threatening a woman and was facing up to 2 years in prison. He had been banned from entering Gigante de Arroyito Stadium however this did not stop his efforts as leader of the Barra Bravas group. 

“Pillin” was admired by many Rosario fans, not just the Barra Bravas. He had the ability to unify several factions of Barra Bravas under his leadership and banned members who would steal from normal match-going fans. He was maybe not so admired by the club with some reports indicating he would often intimidate players and managers, organise disruption to matches and even owned a percentage of certain players (i.e received a share of wages/transfer fees). 

Football related violence has plagued Argentina for a long time. The organisation Salvemos al Futbol (Save Football) claim that more than 350 people have lost their life as a result of football violence since the inception of the professional league in the 1800’s. Whilst a select few government officials are also trying to combat football violence in the country, it is obvious they face an uphill battle when you consider the power the Barra Brava groups hold. 

Early reports suggest Bracamonte’s murder was orchestrated by rival drug group “Clan Alvarado” rather than a rival Barra Bravas group. “Los Manos” and “Clan Alvarado” have long been wrestling for control of Rosario’s underworld and as a close associate of “Los Manos”, Bracamonte’s death will likely result in a significant escalation of the gang war.

His death will unfortunately also most likely result in increased violence amongst the Rosario Barra Bravas as rival factions struggle for the power that one man previously held. Contenders will be competing for rackets such as parking around the stadium, club merchandise and distribution of tickets, all which can be very lucrative for the Barra Bravas. 

As Bracamonte was such a legendary figure in the Rosario underworld, there is little doubt the Barra Bravas and “Los Manos” will be seeking to avenge him. Unfortunately it would seem his death is the beginning of the bloodshed rather than the end of it.