Nearly three decades have passed since the Andres Escobar incident, yet Colombian football just witnessed another tragic event in its history. Football remains integral to Colombia’s heritage, shaped by dedicated fans and renowned players and a vibrant sporting legacy. Despite such incidents have profoundly shaken the world of football.
It seems the cruelties of football has not ceased to wreck terror in Colombia as Edgar Paez, the president of Colombian second-tier club Tigres FC, was shot dead on his way home near the club’s home stadium following his team’s defeat on Saturday, 23 September.
Colombia repeats dark days of Andres Escobar
As per reports, the 63-year-old Paez was tragically shot and killed by two men on a motorbike as he was driving home with his daughter after Tigres FC’s 3-2 home defeat to Atletico FC in the Colombian second-division league.
The unfortunate event occurred close to Tigres’ Metropolitano de Techo stadium in Bogota. Authorities have launched an investigation into the shocking murder of the club’s president.
The club confirmed the tragic news to the fans through a post, mourning Paez’s death.
The club stated, “The Tigres family and the sporting community are devastated by this event, His commitment to the team and his dedication to the development of the sport in our region left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”, in their posted statement.
The Colombian Football Federation extended its condolences, issuing a statement about this tragic event. Fans of the club, as well as the global football community, have expressed their sympathies to the Paez family and the team.
Escobar tragedy: explained
The recent murder has brought back a haunting memory from Colombian football’s past, stretching back to the FIFA World Cup 1994 in the USA. Andrés Escobar was a member of the Colombian squad during that World Cup.
On June 22, 1994, Colombia faced the host United States in the Group A fixture. The game finished 2-1 in favor of the hosts, with an own goal resulting from a deflection by Escobar into the back of the net.
Colombia failed to advance to the next round of the tournament, accumulating just 3 points and suffering two defeats, leading to their elimination from the World Cup.
Defender Andrés Escobar was later shot dead in his car following an argument with three men; one of them pulled out a gun and shot him six times. The assassination took place on the morning of July 2, 1994.
Reports suggest the killer shouted “goal” while firing the bullets, and unfortunately, in the cruelest twist of fate, an own goal cost the defender his life.
