Argentine footballer dies after attack

Argentine footballer Franco Nieto has died after being struck in the head by hooligans following a match.

Nieto, the captain of regional club Tiro Federal, was attacked by hooligans after a match against rivals Chacarita Juniors Saturday in Aimogasta in north-west Argentina. The match was stopped 15 minutes before full time after the referee sent off eight players for fighting.

They kicked and punched the 33-year-old and left him unconscious after a heavy blow on the head with a stone. He was operated Tuesday but died Wednesday.

This year, 15 people have died in football-related violence in Argentina.