Youth Soccer Match Chaos
Shocking Antisemitic Outburst From 12 Year Old Argentinian Soccer Player
A 12-year-old player at Club Mitre in Buenos Aires shouted “We have to kill Jews” during a youth match against Hebraica, forcing referees to stop the game amid escalating tensions and parental outrage.
In a disturbing incident at a youth soccer game in Argentina, a 12-year-old player from Club Mitre reportedly shouted "We have to kill Jews" during a match against Hebraica at the Hebraica Club in Buenos Aires today.
Some parents from the opposing side were also heard yelling "Genocide," escalating the situation during the Liga Infantil de Deportes Educativos (LIDE) league match for under-12s.
The match, part of a recreational league emphasizing education and sportsmanship, was halted after the boy's outburst, which occurred amid heated exchanges on the field. Hebraica Club, a prominent Jewish community center, hosted the game, amplifying the shock of the antisemitic remarks. Witnesses and footage show referees and coaches intervening as tensions rose, with the young player's comment prompting immediate outrage.
The Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas (DAIA), Argentina's leading Jewish umbrella organization, issued a strong condemnation on October 19, calling the acts "offensive and painful" manifestations of hate that have no place in society, especially in sports meant for education and respect. They reiterated their commitment to promoting empathy and democratic values to combat antisemitism. The Foro Argentino Contra el Antisemitismo (FACA) echoed this, stating that if children discriminate, adults are responsible, and emphasized that antisemitism has no place in soccer.
Local media, including Diario Chaco, described the episode as "aberrant," noting the video's rapid spread and immediate repudiation.
Calls have emerged for league authorities and clubs to implement antisemitism training, with some suggesting the incident reflects broader societal issues.
No official statements from Club Mitre or LIDE were available, and investigations into the matter are expected.
This event occurs amid a noted rise in antisemitic incidents in Argentina, home to Latin America's largest Jewish community. Similar episodes have plagued Argentine soccer, including a June 2025 case where All Boys fans paraded a coffin with an Israeli flag before a match against Atlanta, a club linked to a Jewish neighborhood, prompting investigations by the Argentine Football Association. That incident led to point deductions and condemnations.