Ex-Man Utd hot head launches into stand to 'fight fans' in ugly scenes

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero was spotted climbing into the stands during an angry confrontation with Boca Juniors fans following the Argentine club’s Superclasico defeat against rivals River Plate on Saturday.

Boca lost the tense derby clash between the country’s two biggest clubs, with Manuel Lanzini, formerly of West Ham United, scoring the only goal of the game.

It had looked as if Boca would escape with a point though, after Milton Gimenez bundled home for the hosts in the 97th minute, but a VAR review concluded the ball touched the substitute’s hand before crossing the line.

As a result of the disallowed goal, chaos ensued inside La Bombonera, with defender Cristian Lema shown red for his protests towards the unnerved referee.

But it wasn’t until after the full-time whistle had been blown that things really started to boil over.

Often vocal when their team loses, especially in the Superclasico against River, the Boca supporters appeared to have some choice words for goalkeeper and captain Romero – something the shot-stopper didn’t take well to.

The altercation was caught on camera by local broadcaster TNT Sports Argentina, with an angry Romero spotted leaning over into the terraces and squaring up to some upset Boca fans.

Romero, clearly not in the mood for mediation, had to be held back by a combination of Boca officials, fans and his fellow team-mates.

The incident lasted well over a minute, with Romero refusing to calm down, all while the supporters continued to hurl verbal abuse – and on occasion missiles – in his direction.

Romero did hold his hands up and apologise after retiring to the dressing room, telling the local broadcaster: “When the fan insulted me, I couldn’t think anymore and I lost my composure,

“He cursed me so hard that I just snapped. I lost my cool and went back to confront him. I sincerely apologise to that fan for my reaction, as it is only fair.”

The defeat leaves Boca languishing down in 11th after 15 matches of the season, three points, but crucially six places behind River.

It’s yet to be seen if Romero is punished for his actions, but it comes after several South American stars, including Liverpool ace Darwin Nunez, were issued bans for their involvement in a mass brawl at this summer’s Copa America.

Nunez, along with Rodrigo Bentancur, Jose María Gimenez, Mathías Olivera and Ronald Araujo were all punished by CONMEBOL after climbing into the stands and confronting supporters following Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat against Colombia in the US.