A First Hand Report Of Fan Reaction To The Shooting Of Salvador Cabanas (And the cutlure of corruption & violence engulfing the country)
du Nord, January 27, 2010
By Andrew McDonald, reporting from Mexico CityToday I went down to Estadio Azteca to check out the get-well ofrenda ("tribute") that was set-up to honor Salvador "Chava" Cabañas on the lower concourse of the stadium. As I approached, chanting was the first thing that caught my attention before I even saw the crowd. As I rounded the corner, I saw this massive crowd of América fans bouncing up and down, with a huge Paraguayan flag represented as well. Perhaps some 500 people, most sporting the “azulcrema” Club América jersey, were unwavering in their expressed emotion for Chava. Singing and chanting, this almost-celebratory convergence lasted at least an hour.However, there was also a more somber side to the day. Fans were adding lit candles, religious icons, photos, and other Cabañas regalia to the tribute wall. There were lots of tearful children, even some teenagers openly weeping. At one point, a group of about 25 people (mostly strangers) circled around, holding hands in the air, reciting rosary prayers.