South American football’s governing body Conmebol have issued a statement on Thursday night barring Corinthians supporters from all the club’s remaining Copa Libertadores games this season.
The punishment follows the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy, Kevin Beltran Espada, during the club’s tie against San José in Bolivia. The youngster was struck by a flare fired from among the Brazilian supporters.
The initial punishment, which will be in place until the conclusion of an investigation which could take up to 60 days, forces Corinthians to play home ties behind closed doors. For away ties, the club will be prohibited their ticket allocation.
As the São Paulo-based side have already sold 85000 tickets for their three home Libertadores group stage fixtures, the organising body have ordered that all tickets be refunded or exchanged by the club.
Corinthians, who were contacted by Lancenet, have yet to declare their official position over the punishment, but have previously stated that the club should not be held responsible for the action of a handful of supporters.
As the actions of the fans infringed at least three articles of the latest Conmebol code of conduct, the club could have faced expulsion form the competition. A representative of the organising body, though, has confirmed that the club will remain in the competition this season.
Corinthians have three days to respond to the decision.
Source: Lancenet
