A Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente of Argentina and Universidad de Chile was abandoned on Wednesday after violent clashes erupted between fans. The game, held in Buenos Aires at Independiente's Estadio Libertadores de America, was suspended in the second half and eventually called off due to security concerns.
The violence reportedly flared at halftime when Universidad de Chile fans began throwing objects, including stones, sticks, bottles, and seats, at a section housing home supporters. Home fans then entered the away section, attacking visiting supporters. Reports indicate that some Universidad de Chile fans were beaten and stripped of their clothing. One fan was seen jumping from the stands to escape the violence. A stun grenade was also reportedly thrown by fans.
The match was tied 1-1 when it was initially suspended in the 48th minute. Universidad de Chile was leading 2-1 on aggregate, having won the first leg 1-0. CONMEBOL, South American football's governing body, stated that the match was canceled due to "the lack of security guarantees from the local club and local security authorities". The organization has indicated that the case will be referred to its judicial bodies and that information regarding the events will be sent to the disciplinary committee.
According to local media reports, more than 300 Universidad de Chile fans were arrested after the clashes. Police sources stated that 90 people were detained outside the stadium for attempting to cause trouble. An Independiente spokesperson reported that ten people were injured. One Chilean was seriously injured and hospitalized.
The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, condemned the violence, stating, "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 organisation". He added that "Justice must determine those responsible". Boric also mentioned that he instructed the Chilean ambassador to visit fans being held at police stations and treated in hospitals in the Argentine capital.
Independiente president Nestor Grindetti blamed the Universidad de Chile supporters for the events, calling their behavior "truly reprehensible". He told TyC Sports that "Violence I'd never seen before" and "It's clear the problem started and continued with just one fanbase".
Felipe Loyola, a Chilean international who plays for Independiente, expressed his dismay on social media, stating, "This level of violence cannot be tolerated" and "I don't know where the police were".
This incident is not isolated, as violence is a recurring problem at football stadiums in Argentina. In April, two people died after fans and police clashed outside a stadium in Santiago before a Copa Libertadores game. A pressure group, Salvemos Al Futbol (Save Football), has documented over 350 football-related deaths in the country over the last century.