Why does a River Plate fan banner compare Marcelo Gallardo to Pablo Escobar?

Passion for soccer often crosses boundaries, but this time, River Plate fans have crossed a line by comparing their successful coach, Marcelo Gallardo, to the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. This act has caused outrage in both countries.

In a context of growing interest in Escobar's figure and with Gallardo's return to the "Millonario," a group of fans has created a banner where the coach's face has been altered to resemble the Colombian drug lord. Accompanying the image is a famous Escobar quote, adapted to soccer and the rivalry with Boca Juniors.

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River Plate fans have sparked controversy

This controversial creation has been widely shared on social media, igniting a heated debate. The comparison between a sports icon and a criminal has been deemed disrespectful both to Gallardo and to Escobar's victims. Moreover, the phrase used on the banner promotes violence and extreme rivalry between Argentina's two biggest teams.

Argentine authorities have been alerted to this incident and are investigating whether the banner has been displayed at any sporting event. Meanwhile, in Colombia, the news has caused consternation and rekindled the debate about the romanticization of Escobar's figure and the consequences of his legacy.

Marcelo Gallardo is an icon at River

The intention of River Plate fans was apparently to pay tribute to Gallardo and mock their rival, Boca Juniors. However, the result has been the opposite. The comparison with Escobar has tarnished the coach's image and generated a climate of violence that has no place in sports.

This incident highlights the need for a discussion about the representation of controversial historical figures in popular culture. While soccer undoubtedly stirs intense passions, it is essential that these passions are not expressed through violence, hatred, or the glorification of crime. The comparison between Gallardo and Escobar is a clear example of how a joke can have serious consequences and cause irreparable harm.

• River Plate fans created a banner with Marcelo Gallardo's image modified to resemble Pablo Escobar.
• The banner includes a famous Escobar quote adapted to soccer and the rivalry with Boca Juniors.The image has been widely shared on social media and has caused a major uproar.
• The comparison between Gallardo and Escobar has been deemed disrespectful and a promotion of violence.
• Argentine authorities are investigating the case.
• This incident has reignited the debate about the romanticization of Escobar's figure.