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The Copa Sudamricana fixture between Argentina’s Independiente and visiting Universidad de Chile was abandoned due to an episode of fan violence.
The Copa Sudamricana fixture between Argentina’s Independiente and visiting Universidad de Chile was abandoned due to an episode of fan violence. (X)
The Copa Sudamericana clash between Argentina’s Independiente and visiting Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires descended into chaos as ten people were injured and 90 arrested after violent clashes between rival fans in the Argentine Capital City, the club and police confirmed on Thursday.
The last-16 second-leg encounter in the competition at the Libertadores de America stadium was initially suspended briefly after half-time before eventually being abandoned as a stun grenade was among the objects hurled by fans.
The match was 1-1 when it was suspended in the 48th minute, before being called off. The away side, from the Chilean capital Santiago, won the first leg 1-0.
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In a shocking and chaotic scene, a Chilean fan jumped from the stands to escape attacking opposing supporters after being cornered. Home supporters beat and stripped some visiting fans of their clothes after storming the away end, according to a report.
The violence erupted at halftime when fans of the Chilean side began throwing stones, sticks, bottles, and seats at a section housing home supporters.
“We have 90 people detained outside the stadium because they tried to cause trouble, and they have already been taken to the police station,” a source said.
An Independiente spokesperson reported that 10 people were injured.
Chile’s ambassador to Argentina told Chilean radio station Cooperativa FM that “there were stab wounds.” Chile’s President Gabriel Boric called on social media for those responsible for the violence to face justice, blaming the organisers.
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As they left the stadium, Independiente fans expressed anger over the policing of the game and the decision to place the visitors in a section near the home fans.
Both clubs condemned the violence, the latest in South American football, after players from both sides had unsuccessfully tried to appeal for calm.
Independiente president Nestor Grindetti blamed supporters of the Chilean club, calling their behaviour reprehensible.
“This level of violence cannot be tolerated,” Chilean international Felipe Loyola, who plays for Independiente, wrote. “I don’t know where the police were.”
In April, two people died after fans and police clashed outside the Monumental Stadium in Santiago ahead of a game in the Copa Libertadores between Chile’s Colo Colo and Brazilian club Fortaleza.
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