Violent clashes between fans forced the postponement of a Copa Sudamericana match in Buenos Aires, which saw 300 arrested and 10 seriously injured.
Independiente and Universidad de Chile players were forced off the pitch in the second half of their last-16 match in South America’s second tier continental competition, as violence flared in the stands.
The match was abandoned with the scores level at 1-1 on the night, with the Chilean side winning 2-1 on aggregate.
Local reports stated that the clashes had begun between the fans in the first half, with the visiting Universidad de Chile having been placed in the upper tier of one of the stands at the Estadio Libertadores de America.
Argentine newspaper El Pais reported that 3,000 visiting fans attended the match, with footage showing a section throwing seats, rocks and sticks at Independiente fans below.
Video footage also showed fans setting fire to seats, while a stun grenade was thrown towards where players’ families were seated.
A South American football match was abandoned after violent clashes between fans of Independiente and Universidad de Chile, that saw 300 arrested and 10 injured
Clashes between supporters escalated in the second half, with visiting fans stripped and beaten by fans carrying metal bars
South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL cancelled the match amid the clashes
Violence escalated as Independiente fans entered the away section during the second half, with images showing them attacking the remaining Chilean fans in the stand.
Fans were stripped and beaten, while footage showed another away supporter falling from the stands after appearing to have been pushed by a home fan carrying a metal pole.
Argentine media reported that more than 300 Universidad de Chile fans were arrested following the clashes, with supporters from both clubs reported to have suffered injuries.
South American football’s governing body (CONMEBOL) confirmed the cancellation of the match amid the violence.
‘CONMEBOL’s Competitions and Operations Directorate announced that due to the lack of security guarantees from the local club and local security authorities to ensure the continuity of the match between Independiente (ARG) and Universidad de Chile (CHI) in the Round of 16 of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2025, the match has been cancelled,’ a statement read.
‘He added that, considering that the Club Manual for similar situations has been followed, but the situation has not been remedied, the match has been cancelled and the case will be referred to CONMEBOL’s Judicial Bodies for further determination.
‘All information regarding the events that occurred inside and outside the stadium will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee of the South American Football Confederation.’
The violence was condemned by Chile’s president Gabriel Boric, who hit out at the organisation of the match.
The incidents have been condemned by Chile’s president Gabriel Boric, who criticised the organisation around the match
Visiting supporters had thrown objects including rocks and a stun grenade during the first half of the match
One fan holds up rocks which were thrown by supporters during the clashes between fans
The violence led to the cancellation of the match during the second half in Buenos Aires
‘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,’ a statement read.
‘Justice must determine those responsible. Now our priority as a Government is to know the condition of our compatriots who have been attacked, ensure their immediate medical attention, and guarantee that those who are detained have their rights respected.
‘To this end, we are working with the Embassy, Consulate, Foreign Ministry, and Ministry of the Interior.
‘No, nothing justifies a lynching. Nothing.’
Independiente president Nestor Grindetti blamed visiting supporters for the violent clashes.
‘There is a clear culprit,’ he told TyC Sports. ‘The Chilean club is in need of a sanction and Independientes should be released.
Universidad de Chile director Daniel Schapira, however, blamed the decision to place their supporters above the home fans.
Home fans were seen attempting to kick open a gate at the Libertadores de America stadium
Seats were torn up and thrown while video footage showed several had been set on fire
The decision to place away supporters above home fans has been partly blamed for the clashes
Players had tried to calm the situation but the match was abandoned during the second half
‘Terrible, this is unbelievable, something always happens to us.
‘It’s also an organisational issue: they can’t put the U fans above the Independiente fans. Everyone has problems here. This has turned into a circus.
‘They’re going to ban us from visiting. We’re going to be punished, there’s no doubt about it.
‘They’re going to be harsh sanctions. It’s a social, cultural issue; this is much more than football.’
