Copa Sudamericana Clash In Argentina Abandoned As Fan Violence Leaves 90 Arrested

‎Violent clashes between fans during the Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires led to the abandonment of the second leg in the last-16 tie.

‎Players exited the pitch in the second half as security concerns escalated at Estadio Libertadores de América. The tie stood 1-1 at the time of suspension, with Universidad de Chile leading 2-1 on aggregate.

‎South American football’s governing body (CONMEBOL) said the match had been cancelled due to “the lack of security guarantees from the local club and local security authorities”.

‎It noted that the case would be referred to its judicial bodies, and details about the events would be forwarded to the disciplinary committee.

‎Argentine media reported that more than 300 Universidad de Chile supporters were arrested after the clashes, with several fans from both sides reported injured.

‎Chilean President Gabriel Boric issued a statement on social media condemning the violence.

‎”What happened … is wrong in so many ways, from the violence in the stands to the obvious irresponsibility in the organisation,” he wrote.

‎”The justice system must determine who is responsible.

‎”Now our priority as a government is to find out the condition of our compatriots who have been attacked, ensure they receive immediate medical attention, and that those who have been detained have their rights respected.”

‎Boric said he had instructed the Chilean ambassador to visit fans being held at police stations and treated in hospitals in the Argentine capital.

‎In April, a Chilean derby between Universidad de Chile and Colo Colo was postponed after two young fans were killed in a stadium crush at a Copa Libertadores match. Violence at Argentine stadiums is common.

‎The pressure group Salvemos Al Fútbol (Save Football) has documented over 350 football-related fatalities in the country over the past century.