CONMEBOL opens hearing against River Plate after bus attack

Security forces stand guard outside outside Antonio Vespucio Liberti stadium where River Plate soccer fans gather before the announcement that their team's final Copa Libertadores match against rival Boca Juniors is suspended for a second day in a row in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018. (Diego Martinez/AP)

South American soccer body CONMEBOL has opened a disciplinary hearing against River Plate after its fans attacked the Boca Juniors bus before the Copa Libertadores final on Saturday.

CONMEBOL made the announcement on social media on Tuesday. It said River has 24 hours to present its defence to the hearing at the confederation headquarters in Luque, Paraguay.

Later in the day, confederation executives will also gather to decide the fate of the second leg.

The final between the Buenos Aires archrivals was postponed on Saturday to Sunday, then on Sunday postponed indefinitely because Boca was in no fit state to play. The first leg was drawn 2-2.

Boca wants River to be punished for the attack that injured several players near River’s Monumental de Nunez Stadium.

The disciplinary committee will decide whether to disqualify River Plate, force the second leg to be played behind closed doors, or transfer the match to a neutral stadium.

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