Violence Erupts at Copa Sudamericana Match in Buenos Aires
A Copa Sudamericana match in Buenos Aires was abandoned due to violent clashes between fans.
According to local media, ten individuals sustained serious injuries and more than 300 were arrested during Wednesday's last-16 second leg match between Argentine hosts Independiente and Universidad de Chile.
Among the chaotic scenes, a stun grenade was reportedly thrown by spectators, and one fan fell from the upper tier of the stands at the Estadio Libertadores de America, located in the Avellaneda area of the Argentine capital.
The violence escalated at half-time when objects were hurled at a section filled with home supporters.
In the second half, home fans appeared to invade the away section, attacking visiting supporters and forcing them to flee, with some being beaten and stripped by rival fans.
Chile's President Gabriel Boric condemned the violence on social media, stating, "Nothing justifies a lynching. Nothing. What happened in Avellaneda between the fans of Independiente and Universidad de Chile is wrong in too many ways, from the violence among the supporters to the evident irresponsibility in the organization. Justice must determine those responsible."
The match was initially suspended, with players leaving the field in the second half as the score remained 1-1, with Universidad de Chile leading 2-1 on aggregate.
South American football's governing body, Conmebol, announced the cancellation of the match, citing "the lack of security guarantees from the local club and local security authorities." The organization also stated that the incident would be referred to its judicial bodies, and relevant information would be submitted to its disciplinary committee.
President Boric further emphasized, "Now our priority as a government is to ascertain the condition of our compatriots who have been attacked, ensure their immediate medical attention, and guarantee that the rights of those detained are respected."