Ten injured, hundreds arrested as Sudamericana football match in Argentina abandoned after fan violence
A Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile was called off after the violent clash between fans of both sides.
New Delhi: A Copa Sudamericana match between Argentina’s Independiente and the visiting team Universidad de Chile was cancelled due to violent clashes between the supporters in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
10 fans got injured and more than 100 were arrested in the second-leg round of 16 match at the Libertadores de América Stadium. The encounter between the two sides was initially suspended after half-time before it was abandoned as a stun grenade was among the objects hurled by fans.
In a shocking incident, several Independiente fans attacked the visiting fans with stones and sticks before police arrived. Fans of both sides could be seen calling for medical assistance.
A Chilean fan also jumped from the stands to escape attacking home supporters after getting cornered. They beat and stripped some visiting fans of their clothes after storming the away end.
The score was tied at 1-1 when the match was called off in the 48th minute. Lucas Assadi netted in the 11th minute for Universidad de Chile, and Santiago Montiel scored the equaliser for Independiente in the 27th minute. The aggregate score favoured the Chilean team 2-1.
"The Conmebol Sudamericana 2025 Round of 16 match between Independiente (ARG) and Universidad de Chile (CHI) has been cancelled," a Conmebol statement said.
"This decision was made because the home club and local authorities could not provide adequate security to ensure the continuation of the match,".
The Independiente fans expressed their anger over the decision to place the visiting fans near the home fans. The players from both sides tried to appeal for calm, but the situation escalated quickly.
'Reprehensible behaviour from the U supporters': Independiente president Nestor Grindetti
Independiente president Nestor Grindetti told TyC Sports that it was an irresponsible behaviour from the away supporters, and they destroyed their bathrooms, took artefacts and threw them in the stands.
"The Independiente fans didn't deserve such a thing. It's clear the problem started and continued with just one fanbase. The behaviour of our fans has always been exemplary," he added.
Universidad president Michael Clark responded and said that he heard the Independiente president's words, and they surprised him. "This isn't the time to look at who's responsible. What happened today is a tragedy," he added.