Violence in South America: More than 100 arrested and injured in Independiente vs. U. de Chile

Violent Incidents Tarnish Copa Sudamericana Match

In a regrettable event that has shocked the world of soccer, more than 100 fans were arrested after engaging in acts of violence during the Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile. The confrontation, which took place at the Libertadores de América stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, left at least 20 injured, one of them in critical condition.

Shocking images show fans jumping or falling from the top of the stands to escape the aggression. Others, covered in blood, were trying to evade the aggressors. The seriousness of the situation forced the cancellation of the match, which was played on Wednesday night.

I strongly condemn the shocking violence that led to the cancellation of the Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile. Violence has no place in football. Players, fans, staff, officials, and everyone who enjoys our beautiful game should be able to do so without fear.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, announced an investigation into the incident. According to police reports, the violence began when Universidad de Chile supporters, located in the upper part of the stands, ripped out seats and destroyed the stadium bathrooms, throwing blunt objects towards the lower section, where the local fans were located. Both the police and private security personnel were attacked. Instead of intervening, the police chose to warn the Chilean fans through the loudspeakers, arguing that their intervention “would prevent greater damage.” Faced with the persistence of projectile launches, the match was suspended at halftime with a score of 1-1. When the University of Chile fans were leaving the stands, hooded Independiente supporters stormed the visiting section, assaulting those present with sticks and metal bars. Two of them, cornered, jumped or fell, according to images captured by witnesses. One of the injured, identified as Gonzalo Alfaro, required surgery and is in critical condition. Eighteen other Chilean fans were hospitalized, most with multiple injuries.

Nothing justifies a lynching. Nothing.

Gabriel Boric, President of Chile

Local authorities reported the detention of 125 fans of the Chilean club for assault and resisting authority. Of these, 101 remain arrested, according to the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Boric instructed the Minister of the Interior, Álvaro Elizalde, to travel to Buenos Aires and expressed his commitment to “protect the rights” of the affected Chileans. This regrettable episode adds to a series of violent incidents in South American football competitions. Last April, Colo Colo of Chile was sanctioned with a points deduction and a financial penalty after the death of two fans during a Copa Libertadores match. In recent weeks, clashes have also been recorded between Argentine fans and the police in stadiums in Brazil and Uruguay.