BUENOS AIRES, Aug 12: A judge on Saturday postponed an Argentine first division soccer match between River Plate and Newell's Old Boys over worries of possible violence between rival groups among River's hooligan supporters.

The decision by Judge Luis Rodriguez to indefinitely suspend Sunday's game comes after a leading figure in River's fan club died on Thursday, two days after being attacked and shot in the head.

The match was to be the seasonal debut in the Apertura championship for River Plate, one of Argentina's most popular clubs.

Police are investigating if the death of 29-year-old Gonzalo Acro is linked to an ongoing violent rivalry between River fan groups.

Acro was a leading figure in one of two factions that make up the team's hooligan fans, known in Argentina as “barras bravas”.

In recent days, both groups posted Internet messages suggesting renewed clashes could occur at Sunday's game.

In February, the rival factions openly fought at a social club near the team's stadium hosted by River officials.

Hooligan fans linked to Acro chased after reporters covering his wake on Friday.—Reuters