In a shocking turn of events, ten people were injured and 90 individuals were arrested following violent clashes between rival fans during a Copa Sudamericana match. The incident occurred in Buenos Aires during a highly anticipated encounter featuring Argentina’s Independiente and the visiting Universidad de Chile. According to reports from club officials and local police, the unrest unfolded at the Libertadores de America stadium.
The chaos began shortly after halftime, leading to the suspension of the last-16 second-leg match. Among the dangerous projectiles hurled by fans was a stun grenade. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes where one fan of the Chilean team leapt from the stands in a desperate attempt to evade the attacking home supporters. Reports indicate that home fans violently beat and stripped some visiting fans of their clothes after storming the away section.
The violence erupted at halftime, with supporters of the Chilean side initiating the chaos by throwing stones, sticks, bottles, and even seats towards the area occupied by home supporters. A source from the security ministry confirmed to AFP, “We have 90 people detained outside the stadium because they tried to cause trouble, and they have already been taken to the police station.” An official spokesperson for Independiente reported that a total of ten individuals sustained injuries during the skirmishes.
At the time the match was suspended in the 48th minute, the score was tied at 1-1. The away team, hailing from the Chilean capital of Santiago, had previously secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, intensifying the rivalry and stakes of the encounter.
Chile's ambassador to Argentina, Jose Antonio Viera-Gallo, revealed on a local radio station that there were reports of stab wounds among the injured, and at least one individual was in serious condition, though their nationality remains unclear. In response to the violence, Chile’s President Gabriel Boric took to social media to demand justice for those responsible and criticized the organizers of the event.
As fans exited the stadium, many expressed their frustration regarding the policing of the match and the controversial decision to place visiting supporters close to the home crowd. Both clubs condemned the violence, which is part of an ongoing trend in South American football. Independiente's president, Nestor Grindetti, specifically blamed the supporters of Universidad de Chile, labeling their actions as “truly reprehensible” in an interview with TyC Sports.
Despite efforts from players on both teams to appeal for calm, the violence escalated. Chilean international Felipe Loyola, currently playing for Independiente, expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “This level of violence cannot be tolerated. I don’t know where the police were.”
This incident is not isolated; it follows a tragic event in April where two people lost their lives during clashes between fans and police outside the Monumental Stadium in Santiago, prior to a Copa Libertadores match between Chile’s Colo Colo and Brazilian club Fortaleza. Such events highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and accountability in South American football.
