Buenos Aires bans stadium confetti after fire sparks panic at River vs Boca

Soccer fans in Argentina's capital city Buenos Aires can no longer throw confetti from the stands.

The Buenos Aires Sports Security Committee has issued a ban after a fire broke out during last Sunday's match between rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors.

Firefighters had to extinguish the flames, which damaged stadium seats and caused spectators to flee.

City authorities said the incident showed the potential ignition risk of confetti in crowded areas.

River Plate fans had been encouraged to cut thousands of confetti pieces for the game.

The tradition became popular during the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.