The quarterfinal match of the Copa Argentina between Boca Juniors and Gimnasia was overshadowed by a serious incident in the stands at Newell's Old Boys' stadium in Rosario. Even though Boca was winning 1-0 thanks to a goal by Anselmino, attention quickly shifted to the violent clashes between the fans of both teams. Things got out of hand when Boca supporters started throwing seats from their section towards Gimnasia's crowd, which sparked a violent reaction from the Lobo supporters and led to the police intervening with rubber bullets and pepper spray.

In the middle of this tense situation, Juan Román Riquelme, Boca Juniors' president, played a crucial role in calming things down. Accompanied by Football Council members 'Chicho' Serna, Raúl Cascini, and Marcelo Delgado, Riquelme left his box and approached the area where the conflict was happening. Boca’s notorious fan group, "La 12," had broken through a gate and was dangerously advancing toward Gimnasia's section, while Lobo fans were trying to break through the barriers on their side.

Riquelme's presence, along with his colleagues from the Council, was key in preventing the situation from escalating further. Once the Boca fans recognized him in the area where the police were using tear gas and rubber bullets, they started to back off, slowing down the clash. His leadership, together with Serna, Cascini, and Delgado's efforts, managed to calm the fans and stop a direct confrontation with the Gimnasia supporters, who were gearing up for a fight.

Riquelme's quick thinking and action, along with his team, not only prevented a bigger disaster but also showed the level of respect and influence he still holds with the Boca fans. The swift response from Boca’s directors was crucial in defusing a situation that could have ended in a much more serious altercation and completely ruined the game.