A Copa Sudamericana match between Argentina’s Independiente and Universidad de Chile descended into shocking violence on Wednesday, leaving ten people injured and 90 arrested after clashes between rival fans at the Libertadores de America stadium in Buenos Aires.
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The round-of-16 second-leg encounter was abandoned in the 48th minute with the score at 1-1 after chaos broke out. Violence erupted at halftime when visiting Universidad de Chile supporters began throwing stones, bottles, sticks, and even stadium seats at Independiente fans. Home supporters retaliated, storming the away section, where some visiting fans were beaten and stripped of their clothes. In one alarming scene, a Chilean fan leapt from the stands to escape attackers.
Police later confirmed the detention of 90 individuals who were allegedly attempting to cause further trouble. An Independiente spokesperson reported ten injuries, while Chile’s ambassador to Argentina, Jose Antonio Viera-Gallo, said there were also cases of stab wounds, including at least one serious injury.
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric condemned the violence, demanded accountability from organizers, and dispatched Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde to assist the injured. “This level of violence cannot be tolerated,” Independiente player Felipe Loyola, a Chilean international, posted online, criticizing the lack of policing during the mayhem.
Both clubs issued statements condemning the incident. Independiente president Nestor Grindetti called the actions of the Chilean supporters “truly reprehensible,” while fans expressed frustration at stadium security and seating arrangements that placed the two groups too close together.
The violence adds to a troubling pattern in South American football. In April, two people died in Santiago during clashes ahead of a Copa Libertadores match between Colo Colo and Fortaleza.
Wednesday’s events mark yet another dark day for regional football, overshadowing the sport with disturbing scenes of brutality and chaos.
