A Copa Sudamericana match in Buenos Aires had to be abandoned after violent clashes broke out between fans.
The trouble happened during the second leg of the last-16 tie between Argentina’s Independiente and Universidad de Chile. According to local reports, ten people were seriously hurt and over 300 were arrested.
Objects, including a stun grenade, were thrown during the match, and one fan reportedly fell from the top tier of the stand at the Estadio Libertadores de America.
The violence began at half-time, with things getting worse in the second half when home fans appeared to break into the away section. Visiting supporters were attacked, with some beaten and even stripped by rival fans.
Chilean president Gabriel Boric said on social media, “Nothing justifies a lynching. What happened in Avellaneda is unacceptable, from the violence among fans to the poor organisation. Justice must find out who’s responsible.”
At the time the match was stopped, the score was 1-1 on the night, with Universidad de Chile leading 2-1 on aggregate. Players left the pitch shortly after the chaos began.
South American football’s governing body, Conmebol, confirmed that the game was called off due to “a lack of safety from the local club and security authorities”. The matter will now be handled by its disciplinary committee.
President Boric added, “Our focus now is on the condition of our citizens who were attacked, making sure they get medical help, and ensuring that anyone arrested has their rights respected.”
