More than 100 supporters were detained after violent clashes broke out in the stands during a Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile, leaving at least 20 people injured, including one in critical condition, authorities said Thursday.
Footage showed two fans leaping or falling from the upper tier to escape assaults, while another collapsed after being struck on the head with a stick. Several supporters, bloodied and stripped to their underwear, were seen fleeing the violence.
The disturbances forced Wednesday night’s game at the Libertadores de América stadium in Avellaneda, near Buenos Aires, to be abandoned with the score tied at 1-1.
“I strongly condemn the shocking violence which led to the cancellation of the Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. “Violence has no place in soccer — players, fans, staff, officials and everyone who enjoys our beautiful game should be able to do so without fear.”
South America’s football governing body CONMEBOL said it has launched an investigation into the incident.
According to police, the clashes began when Universidad fans in the upper stands destroyed seats and restrooms and hurled objects toward home supporters below, also attacking security personnel. Officers said they refrained from intervening directly to “prevent greater damage,” instead issuing warnings through stadium loudspeakers.
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At halftime, as Universidad fans were leaving, hooded Independiente supporters forced their way into the visitors’ section and attacked them with sticks and metal bars. Two fans tried to escape by climbing over barriers, with one — identified as Gonzalo Alfaro — suffering critical injuries that required surgery, according to Fiorito Hospital. Eighteen others were hospitalized with multiple injuries.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned the assaults, saying on X, “Nothing justifies a lynching. Nothing.” He directed Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde to travel to Buenos Aires to safeguard the rights of Chilean citizens.
Authorities confirmed 125 Universidad fans were detained for assault and resisting arrest, with 101 still in custody, according to Chile’s Foreign Ministry.
The incident adds to a string of violent episodes in South American football. In April, Chile’s Colo Colo was docked points and fined after two fans died during a Copa Libertadores match against Brazil’s Fortaleza. Recent weeks have also seen clashes involving Argentine fans and police in Brazil and Uruguay.
Source: Agency