Boca boss welcomes second Libertadores final postponement

The decision to again postpone the Copa Libertadores final was the best one in the interest of fairness, according to Boca Juniors.

Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto with Boca Juniors forward Carlos Tevez.

Boca Juniors boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto welcomed the decision to once again postpone the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final against rival River Plate, insisting it was impossible for his players to remain focused.

The fixture was due to be played on Saturday but was eventually rescheduled for 24 hours later following an attack by River fans on Boca's bus on the way to El Monumental. Boca players Pablo Perez and Gonzalo Lamardo needed assessment at hospital following the incident, which saw projectiles launched at the vehicle, smashing several windows.

However, it was confirmed on Sunday that the match would once again be put back, with CONMEBOL organising a meeting among all parties on Tuesday at its headquarters in Asuncion, Paraguay to determine a new date and time.

READ | CONMEBOL postpones Copa Libertadores final

And Schelotto says the decision is the best one that could be taken in the interest of fairness.

"We were at a disadvantage yesterday as we are today," he told a news conference.

"We weren't prepared for a final in the previous hours. We prepared for a whole year for this, but yesterday we were at a disadvantage. Be it River or any other rival, both have to be in the same condition.

"I tried to focus the team on the match but it was impossible to keep them focused yesterday and today."

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Security forces stand guard as River Plate's supporters leave the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, after the all-Argentine Copa Libertadores second leg final match against Boca Juniors was postponed for the second time.

 

Boca president Daniel Angelici echoed those sentiments and was keen to reiterate that the spectacle between the Buenos Aires rivals was ruined by the minority.

"I want to say again that a few outcasts ruined the show," he said. 

"Yesterday we suffered an unusual aggression, we had players affected. We signed a gentlemen's agreement, which stated equal conditions for everyone to play the match again.

"I met the manager and players last night and then asked our lawyers to prepare a document and presented it via e-mail and in person to CONMEBOL authorities in their hotel. We wait now for the disciplinary tribunal from CONMEBOL to decide on the document. I will assist at the meeting next Tuesday."