26 police injured in football violence

Buenos Aires - An Argentine football stadium has been closed until the end of the year after stampeding fans injured 26 police, two critically, during a fourth-division match.

Hugo Matzkin, head of the Buenos Aires provincial police, said the violence flared when 200 fans without tickets forced their way into the Laferrere stadium, west of the city.

He said one of the police officers was "battling to stay alive."

Monday night's game between Laferrere and Dock Sud was stopped in the second half with the score at 1-1.

Officials said the violence probably involved only Laferrere fans since visiting supporters are banned from away matches in Argentina.

Buenos Aires Governor Daniel Scioli said the 11 people arrested displayed "mafia-like attitudes."

Football violence is endemic in Argentina.