Violence Erupts at Copa Sudamericana Match, Universidad de Chile Accuses Independiente
Universidad de Chile has accused their opponents, Independiente, and the Argentine police of failing to protect their supporters from a "brutal and inhuman beating" that resulted in 19 fans being hospitalized.
The Copa Sudamericana round of 16 match was abandoned on Wednesday due to violent clashes in the stands in Buenos Aires.
Violence erupted at halftime when objects, including a stun grenade, were thrown from the away section into the lower tier occupied by home supporters.
The match was halted in the second half when home fans invaded the away section, attacking visiting supporters and forcing them to flee.
According to Universidad de Chile, 16 of the 19 hospitalized supporters have since been discharged. However, one fan remains in intensive care in critical condition but has shown "significant improvement" following surgery for a skull fracture.
The Chilean club described the incident as "one of the most violent chapters in the history of football." They allege that Independiente fans "entered the visiting section unhindered" and committed "extremely violent and inhuman acts, too brutal to detail in this statement."
Furthermore, Universidad de Chile accused Independiente supporters of attempting to breach the away dressing room to attack their players and reported that the windows of their team bus were smashed.
The club noted that around 100 of their supporters were arrested but claimed that "not a single attacker" from the home section has been detained.
Independiente Responds to Allegations
In response, Argentine club Independiente countered these claims, stating that the incidents began in the away section before the match, where supporters allegedly attacked and disabled the stadium's CCTV system.
They asserted that visiting fans "destroyed restroom facilities" and "launched fireworks" at home supporters, provoking what they termed "unacceptable attacks" in retaliation.
Independiente firmly denied allegations of failing to adhere to safety protocols, asserting that necessary measures were activated but were "insufficient to contain the excessive violence displayed." They announced plans to ban "criminals disguised as fans who responded violently to the attacks by visiting fans" and indicated they would seek compensation for the "material damages" inflicted on their facilities.
The club concluded their statement with the assertion: "Violence does not represent us."
FIFA President Condemns Violence
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the violence and called for local authorities to hold those responsible accountable. He stated, "Violence has no place in football - players, fans, staff, officials, and everyone who enjoys our beautiful game should be able to do so without fear," through his Instagram account.
Infantino expressed his thoughts for all innocent victims affected and emphasized the expectation for relevant authorities to address those accountable for these barbaric acts.
Conmebol, the governing body for major South American tournaments, announced the match's cancellation due to a "lack of security guarantees from the local club and the local security authorities." Buenos Aires provincial security minister Javier Alonso criticized the delay in decision-making, stating that it was "clear that there was a very hostile attitude."