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

Violent Incidents in Copa Sudamericana Match: Over 100 Arrested and Injured

Buenos Aires, Argentina – A Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile was marred by acts of violence that resulted in the detention of more than 100 fans and left at least 20 injured, one of them in critical condition, according to local authorities this Thursday.

The captured images show two fans jumping or falling from the top of the stands to escape the aggression, while another collapsed after being hit in the head with a blunt object. Several other fans, some in their underwear, were seen covered in blood trying to evade the aggressors. The violence forced the suspension of the match, which was played on Wednesday night at the Libertadores de América stadium in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province.

“I strongly condemn the shocking violence that led to the cancellation of the Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile,” stated Gianni Infantino, FIFA President. “Violence has no place in football: players, fans, staff, referees and everyone who enjoys this beautiful sport should be able to do so without fear.”

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, announced on Thursday that it is investigating the incident. According to the Argentine police, the disturbances began when Universidad de Chile fans, located in the upper section, ripped up seats and destroyed the stadium bathrooms, throwing blunt objects towards the lower section where the local supporters were located. The police and private security personnel were also attacked. The police did not intervene to control the disturbances, arguing that they were “avoiding greater harm”, according to the official report. Instead, they warned Chilean fans to stop their behavior through the loudspeakers. While the fans continued throwing projectiles, the match was suspended at halftime with a score of 1-1. Just as Universidad fans were leaving the stands, hooded Independiente supporters broke down doors to enter the visiting section. There, they attacked the visitors with sticks and metal bars. Two of them, cornered, climbed to the edge and jumped or fell, according to images captured by cell phones of witnesses. One of them, identified as Gonzalo Alfaro, required surgery and is in critical condition, according to the medical report from the Fiorito Hospital in Buenos Aires. Another eighteen Chilean fans were hospitalized, most with multiple injuries.

“Nothing justifies a lynching. Nothing,” stated Chilean President Gabriel Boric on X.

Gabriel Boric, President of Chile

Local authorities reported that 125 fans of the Chilean club were arrested for assault and resisting arrest. Of these, 101 remained in custody, according to the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Boric instructed the Minister of the Interior, Álvaro Elizalde, to travel to Buenos Aires and declared that he would work to “protect the rights” of the affected Chileans. This is the latest violent incident in South American football competitions. Last April, Colo Colo of Chile was sanctioned with the deduction of points and an economic fine after two fans died during the match against Fortaleza of Brazil in the first round of the Copa Libertadores. In recent weeks, clashes between Argentine fans and the police have also been reported in stadiums in Brazil and Uruguay.