Player’s death forces Argentina FA to suspend league

Argentina Football Association (AFA) has called off games in all professional divisions this weekend following the death of Emanuel Ortega.
The 21-year-old striker was playing for San Martin de Burzaco against Juventud Unida in a Primera C division match on May 4 when he struck his head on a concrete pillar during a challenge with an opponent.
He died 10 days later and a division-wide postponement proposed by the AFA has been unanimously agreed to by all professional clubs.
An AFA statement read: “As a result of the pain caused to the football family by the death of Emanuel Ortega, the entire weekend’s football programme is suspended.
“Games in all categories that have been suspended this weekend will be played next weekend, with a revised schedule.”
The association’s president, Luis Segura, said: “I feel great sadness and dismay. While his situation was always complicated, we had hope, but unfortunately that has now gone.”
The postponement of the weekend’s fixtures as a mark of respect casts doubt over when, if at all, Boca Juniors and River Plate will be able to resume their suspended Copa Libertadores tie.
The second-leg encounter at La Bombonera was suspended after away players were attacked by home supporters wielding tear gas, and the match was ultimately called off by referee Dario Herrera over an hour later.