River Plate Officially Refuse To Play Copa Libertadores In Bernabeu

River Plate have officially appealed the decision to play the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final in the Bernabeu, after violence at their ground resulted in two suspensions of the game.

Last Saturday, and Sunday, the Copa Libertadores final second leg was supposed to be played at River Plate's home ground. Home fans attacked the bus carrying the Boca players and staff to the ground and the violence resulted in the game being postponed twice.

Finally Conembol decided the game couldn't be played at River and would choose a neutral venue. Earlier this week it was confirmed that it would be played at the Bernabeu.

Now though River have refused the decision. In an official statement on the website the wrote:

"From the presentation made yesterday, Friday November 30, before the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), River Plate confirms its refusal to change venue. The Club understands that the decision distorts the competition, harms those who acquired their ticket and affects the equality of conditions from the loss of the local condition."

Within the statement River Plate argue that, whilst they 'sympathised in a timely manner' to the attacks last week they weren't actually at fault for them saying they are 'in no way the responsibility of the club'

The club might not have taken out the attacks but suggesting that they're 'in no way responsible' seems like quite an amazing stretch.

A better point made by River is that the decision leaves 66,000 fans, who bought tickets, waited for eight hours and returned the next day to see no football, having to fork out to go to Spain to watch the rescheduled match.

Finally the Buenos Aires club argue that the enjoyment of the many and the ability for Argentina to host the Superclasico, and other events, should not be impacted by the bad behaviour of a few.

River Plate leave the ground on Sunday after finding out the game had been postponed again. Image: PA Images

The first leg ended 2-2 and the rescheduled second leg was meant to take place on December 9th but now River are appealing against the decision for the new venue the whole thing is once again up in the air.

Whoever wins is set to play in the FIFA Club World Cup on December 18th but that is in question if the game can't be played.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28