Violent confrontations erupted during a Copa Sudamericana clash between Argentina’s Independiente and Universidad de Chile, leaving ten people injured and 90 arrested on Wednesday, according to police and club officials.
The round-of-16 second-leg tie at the Libertadores de America stadium was halted shortly after halftime when tensions escalated, leading to the eventual abandonment of the match. Amid the chaos, fans hurled dangerous objects, including a stun grenade, while one visiting supporter was seen leaping from the stands to escape attacks from home fans.
Witnesses reported that Independiente supporters stormed the away section, assaulting and stripping some visiting fans of their clothing. The violence was sparked at halftime when Universidad de Chile supporters began throwing stones, sticks, bottles, and seats toward the home crowd.
Authorities confirmed that 90 individuals were detained outside the stadium for attempting to incite disorder. Independiente officials also stated that at least ten people sustained injuries. The game stood at 1-1 in the 48th minute when it was suspended. Universidad de Chile, based in Santiago, had previously won the first leg 1-0.
Chile’s ambassador to Argentina, Jose Antonio Viera-Gallo, confirmed reports of stab wounds and noted that one individual was seriously injured, though their nationality remains unknown. Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned the violence, calling for accountability and criticizing the match organizers.
Anger also spread among Independiente supporters, who voiced frustration at security arrangements, particularly the decision to place away fans close to the home section. Both clubs issued statements denouncing the events. Independiente president Nestor Grindetti described the Chilean fans’ actions as “truly reprehensible,” speaking to TyC Sports.
Players from both teams attempted to calm the situation but were unsuccessful. Chilean international Felipe Loyola, representing Independiente, lamented on social media: “This level of violence cannot be tolerated. I don’t know where the police were.”
This latest incident adds to a troubling trend in South American football. In April, two fatalities were recorded when fans and police clashed in Santiago ahead of a Copa Libertadores match between Colo Colo and Brazil’s Fortaleza.
What you should know
A Copa Sudamericana game between Independiente of Argentina and Universidad de Chile ended in chaos after violent clashes left ten people injured and 90 arrested.
Objects including a stun grenade were thrown, and at least one fan was seriously hurt.
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric condemned the violence, while both clubs disowned responsibility. The violence, fueled by poor security arrangements and bitter rivalry, adds to a growing record of unrest in South American football.
With one team already leading 1-0 from the first leg, the abandonment of the return match has raised fresh concerns about fan safety in regional competitions.
