BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Boca Juniors has appealed the punishment handed out by South America's football confederation, saying the club and the players didn't do anything to cause the interruption of the Copa Libertadores match against Argentine rival River Plate last week.

Thursday's match was suspended after Boca Juniors fans sprayed a caustic substance on opposing players at halftime. South America's governing body CONMEBOL eliminated Boca from this year's tournament and said the club will have to play their next four home international matches without fans in the stands. The team also will not be able to sell their fans tickets for their next four away games and they were fined $200,000.

Club officials considered the punishment unfair, saying the players didn't do anything wrong and the match should be continued.