On Air: Why can't some male sports fans control themselves?
| 15:16 UK time, Monday, 27 June 2011
Dozens of people have been injured in clashes that broke out in Buenos Aires after Argentina's legendary football club River Plate were relegated to the second division.
The violence erupted inside the stadium. Street battles between angry fans and police continued outside.
River needed to win by two clear goals against Belgrano de Cordoba, but only managed a 1-1 draw.
The match, held in River's Monumental stadium, had to be abandoned in the final minute, amid chaotic scenes.
River Plate's fate seemed sealed after Mariano Pavone missed a penalty. Police fired water cannon up into the stands, following a pitch invasion by furious River fans.
The violence continued after the game, with clashes outside the stadium between hardcore fans and helmeted riot police, as helicopters hovered overhead.
It is certainly not the first time by any means that sports fans have become violent in reaction to their team's performance.
Earlier this month in Vancouver, Canada, police fired teargas and stun grenades as Vancouver Canucks ice hockey fans torched cars and smashed shop windows after defeat to the Boston Bruins.
But there are many more examples of such violence, be it in football, boxing, ice hockey or other sports.
So, why is that some men can't control their behavour when it comes to sport?
Is occassional violence an acceptable price to pay for watching sport? Is sport society's way of letting off steam?
We also plan to talk about the Australian government's plan to introduce brand-less packaging for cigarettes.
The tobacco firm, Philip Morris, has launched legal action against the government, saying the plan breaches a treaty protecting the company's intellectual property.
The company could seek billions of dollars in compensation for loss of business. The government says taking the brand name off packets will help reduce smoking rates. Australia's Prime Minster, Julia Gillard, said her government would not be intimidated.
We hope to get someone from the tobacco industry to take your calls on this issue.
