The leader of a notorious group of soccer hooligans in Argentina has been shot dead near his club’s stadium in Rosario.
Andrés Bracamonte, known as Pillín, spent more than 20 years as head of the pro-Rosario Central gang and has a history of engaging in violent conflicts with rival thugs.
He and his deputy, Daniel “Rana” Atardo, were just four blocks from Gigante de Arroyito Stadium when they were shot and killed by a motorcyclist on Saturday.
Rosario Central just played a match in the national championship but Bracamonte did not participate. He was banned for previous incidents and accused by Argentine authorities of money laundering and extortion.
The two men were taken to the local Centenario Hospital, but doctors were unable to save their lives.
Bracamonte’s murder was widely reported by Argentine media, which described it as a match-fixing.
The press reported that Bracamonte had a long criminal record and was the victim of frequent attacks.
The most recent time was in August, when a bullet grazed his back while he was with his companion, who was also injured.
Bracamonte, 52, is also allegedly linked to a drug cartel called Los Monos and is therefore being investigated for money laundering.
