Hundreds of fans arrested after rampage in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Mar 4 (Reuters) Around 300 soccer fans were have been arrested on Saturday in the Buenos Aires suburb of Quilmes when they went on a vandalism rampage after their team won a second division game, local media reported.

Fans of Defensa y Justicia, who beat Ferro Carril Oeste 2-0, were travelling home from the game in 10 buses yesterday when they tried to loot stores and a gasoline station and threw rocks at cars.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Violence before, during and after soccer matches has been on the rise in Argentina since last year.

In 2006, six first-division games were suspended due to violence, and the same thing happened in several second division matches.

Soccer clubs have banned entrance to leaders of ''barras bravas'' as organised hooligans are called in Argentina.

Six members of ''barras bravas'' of the popular River Plate team were thrown out of the club two weeks ago after violent clashes inside the social area adjoining the stadium.

River's stadium was closed because of the violence for six matches.

REUTERS SSC HS0927