Argentine Footballer Ángel Di María Targeted by Threats
March 30, 2024 Sport
Rosario, Argentina - Argentine authorities apprehended three individuals on Wednesday after threats were made against footballer Ángel Di María and his family, according to Security Minister Patricia Bullrich.
Ángel Di María Targeted by Gunfire
One of the suspects, previously under investigation for drug trafficking, reportedly confessed to involvement in the threats alongside two accomplices.
The incident unfolded on Monday when Di María's family residence in Rosario was targeted by gunfire from a passing vehicle. A threatening message was also left at the property, warning the World Cup winner against rejoining his hometown club, Rosario Central.
These threats surfaced after Di María, currently with Portuguese club Benfica, expressed his desire to end his career at Rosario Central, where his professional journey began.
"I have a family, and what happened affects me," Di María told a sports broadcaster in response to the incident. The footballer further emphasized his call for peace on his Instagram Stories by posting a photo of the Rosario flag with the caption "We ask for peace."
Rosario Central strongly condemned the attack on March 25th, stating in a press release, "We cannot allow individuals to intimidate footballers or attack them or their families."
Launched "Plan Bandera"
Rosario is known for its high crime rates. Official figures from the Santa Fe provincial government reveal a 2022 homicide rate of 22 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than New York City's 2018 rate of 3.5 per 100,000 according to the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice.
In an effort to combat "narcoterrorism," the Santa Fe government, with backing from the central government, launched "Plan Bandera" earlier this year.
Minister Bullrich announced the arrests on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "We are pursuing mafias, drug traffickers, and extortionists to bring safety to all residents of Rosario and Argentina."