San Lorenzo coach alleges fan aggression after draw in Brazil

San Lorenzo's coach, Gustavo Alvarez, has lodged a strong complaint against the conduct of Santos supporters following a tense 2-2 draw in Vila Belmiro, Brazil. The Argentine manager expressed his dismay at the insults and physical aggression he endured from the home crowd before and during his post-match press conference.

Alvarez, who previously coached Universidad de Chile, directly appealed to CONMEBOL for better security and treatment of visiting teams. "Before answering the question, with the aim of building, I ask that next time they do not make the visiting coach pass through the crowd, because they insulted me and hit me before entering the conference room," he stated. He emphasized that while he understands the fans' disappointment, he should not be subjected to such treatment.

The match itself was a dramatic affair. Santos had taken a commanding 2-0 lead with two goals from Gabigol. However, San Lorenzo, nicknamed 'los cuervos', staged a remarkable comeback in the second half with goals from Mathías De Ritis and Rodrigo Auzmendi. This resilient performance secured a crucial point and propelled San Lorenzo to the top of Group D in the Copa Sudamericana, placing their qualification for the knockout stage firmly in their own hands.

From a Chilean perspective, following San Lorenzo's journey in the Copa Sudamericana is always a point of interest, given the club's historical significance and passionate fanbase. While the focus is on the team's performance on the field, incidents like these highlight the intense rivalries and sometimes volatile atmosphere in South American football. The contrast with how such incidents might be handled or reported in Chilean media, which often emphasizes the passion of the fans, is stark. Here, the priority is the team's sporting achievement and the coach's call for respect and safety, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity of the competition.

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Before answering the question, with the aim of building, I ask that next time they do not make the visiting coach pass through the crowd, because they insulted me and hit me before entering the conference room. Not necessary, I understand the people's disgust, but I don't have to suffer it. With all due respect to Conmebol, Santos and San Lorenzo.