Argentine footballer dies after supporters attack him with stones and punches

Franco Nieto was Tiro Federal’s skipper.

Buenos Aires, Dec 5 (IANS) Argentine footballer Franco Nieto has died after being struck in the head by hooligans following a match.

Nieto, the captain of regional club Tiro Federal, was attacked by hooligans after a match against rivals Chacarita Juniors Saturday in Aimogasta in north-west Argentina. The match was stopped 15 minutes before full time after the referee sent off eight players for fighting.

They kicked and punched the 33-year-old and left him unconscious after a heavy blow on the head with a stone. He was operated Tuesday but died Wednesday.

His nephew Pablo was quoted by the Guardian saying, "People came to insult him. They kicked him and punched him. He tried to defend ?himself but he was struck violently in the head. He was operated on Tuesday and died today.”

This year, 15 people have died in football-related violence in Argentina.