A dream lads’ trip to South America was everything and more and here's the story.
And both times I found myself perched on a sofa cursing the fact I was missing out, trapped on the wrong side of the Atlantic. In Rio de Janeiro, it was an early start - a little too early given some over-indulgence with the local Brahma brew the night before - as myself and two mates dragged ourselves up at 8am to tune into the Old Firm battle kicking off back home in Glasgow.
Five days in Brazil, followed by a week in Buenos Aires - with as much soccer, scran and cervezas as we could stomach. Had the famously haphazard Argentine schedulers been quicker announcing their dates, we’d have extended the getaway for a few more days in an attempt to catch last Sunday’s Superclassico between Boca Juniors and River Plate.
In Glasgow, petty squabbling between Rangers and Celtic bosses has resulted in away fans being locked out of derbies at Ibrox and Parkhead this season. In Argentina, a far more sinister cause is behind the long-standing decision to deny access to opposition punters, with clashes among their notorious 'barras bravas’ ultras groups resulting in a string of gruesome deaths across the country.
Those incidents represent the darker side of football in South America. But our trip provided a glimpse into the colour, the passion, the sense-assaulting sights and sounds which make this part of the world a global leader when it comes to fan culture. We’d booked our tickets through a tour guide but while he did a great job getting us past five lines of security checks, we were left to our own devices when it came to finding a perch on the seriously steep Boca terraces which cover all three tiers of the ground.
Celtic FC Rangers FC Daizen Maeda Philippe Clement
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rangers 3 Celtic 3 LIVE reaction as Rangers supporting star boxer lays into Fabio SilvaGlasgow's two footballing giants went head to head and served up an amazing game at Ibrox.
Read more »
Martin O'Neill criticizes Rangers' performance after collapse at Ross CountyFormer Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has criticized Rangers for their collapse against Ross County, stating that they are not as brilliant as some may think. Ross County's 3-2 victory over Rangers has shifted the title race in Celtic's favor, making a win at Celtic Park crucial for Rangers. O'Neill believes that Rangers cannot afford to coast through matches and still expect to win silverware.
Read more »
Philippe Clement was right to claim Rangers moral victioy after Celtic drawA case of MailSport pundits collide as Kenny takes Hugh Keevins to task over Clement's comments after rip roaring Old Firm clash.
Read more »
Rangers fans are all saying the same thing as surprise James Tavernier claim emerges pre-CelticThe inside track on the football stories that matter
Read more »
John Kennedy in bold Celtic claim ahead of Rangers derby clashJohn Kennedy has claimed the Celtic training ground is the 'calmest place in Scotland' ahead of next weekend's match against Rangers at…
Read more »
Celtic & Rangers 'propelled' into UEFA top 20 rankingBoth Celtic and Rangers have been 'propelled' into UEFA's top 20 gate receipt rankings alongside elite European sides.
Read more »