Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero had to be restrained by club officials after he fired up at a Boca Juniors supporter in the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to bitter rivals River Plate.
Former West Ham United star Manuel Lanzini scored what proved to be the winner in the 20th minute in a contest that ended with nine yellow cards across both teams.
Boca’s Cristian Lema was also sent off in the 12th minute of second half stoppage time.
The two teams are widely renowned for their fierce rivalry on the field and the passion is evident among the respective supporters.
But for one Boca fan, the frustration from losing to River became too much and he took it out on Romero.
A Boca fan puts his left hand on the chest of goalkeeper Romero after losing to River Plate
Romero was forcefully restrained by several club officials as the fan was dragged away
But Romero appeared all the more willing to trade verbal blows right back.
The fan put his left hand on Romero’s chest as the 37-year-old lent over the fence and got in his face.
Someone from behind forcefully grabs the fan away from Romero, who was restrained by three officials.
Boca’s substitute goalkeeper Leandro Brey then attempts to pull Romero away, but the veteran goalkeeper removes his understudy’s arms and has a fierce gaze in his eyes.
The camera then moves behind Romero and faces a group of seething Boca fans who are desperate to climb over one another and vent their fury in the goalkeeper’s direction.
Brey eventually manages to pull Romero away as fans continue to hurl abuse at the team.
Some fans appear to turn on each other as some pushing and shoving ensues, with a handful even having to act as security and hold back the more vengeful supporters.
In an interview with TNT Sports after the game, Romero held his hands up and apologised.
The fans soon turn on each other as they began to push and shove among themselves
‘When the fan insulted me, I couldn’t think at the moment and I lost my mind,’ Romero said.
‘He cursed me so hard that he just found me. I was leaving and I lost my mind and I went back to look for him.
‘I offer my apologies to the fan who insulted me because it is his right.’
The loss was Boca’s fourth of the season and left them in 11th place in the Argentinian Primera Division, while River Plate’s victory put them into fifth on 24 points, six behind league leaders Velez Sarsfield.