Violence halts Copa Sudamericana clash in Buenos Aires

By Martin Graham

Universidad de Chile have accused Independiente and the Argentine police of failing to safeguard their followers after a “brutal and inhuman beating” left 19 supporters in hospital.

The Copa Sudamericana round of 16 fixture in Buenos Aires was abandoned on Wednesday following violent scenes in the stands. Trouble erupted at the interval when items, including a stun grenade, were thrown from the section holding the Chilean fans toward the lower tier filled with home spectators.

The situation escalated in the second half when Independiente followers entered the visitors’ sector, launching attacks and forcing Universidad de Chile fans to escape.

According to the Chilean side, 16 of the 19 injured supporters have since been released, while one remains in intensive care after undergoing surgery for a skull fracture. The club described the events as “one of the most violent chapters in the history of football”.

They further alleged that Independiente supporters attempted to storm the away dressing room and attacked the team bus by smashing its windows. Universidad de Chile added that about 100 of their fans had been detained, while claiming that none of the attackers from the home end had been arrested.

Conflicting accounts from the clubs

Independiente issued a statement disputing the accusations, insisting the incidents began in the away sector before the match. They claimed Universidad de Chile followers attacked and disabled the stadium’s CCTV system, damaged restrooms, and fired fireworks at local supporters, sparking retaliation.

The Argentine club denied ignoring security procedures, arguing that safety measures were put in place but were insufficient to control the level of aggression. They pledged to ban those who responded with violence, labelling them “criminals disguised as fans”, and announced their intention to seek compensation for the damage caused to their facilities.

They closed their statement by declaring: “Violence does not represent us.”

Reactions from authorities

FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the events, stating that violence must be eradicated from football. He said the game should be enjoyed “without fear” and called for accountability from local authorities, describing the attacks as “barbaric acts”.

CONMEBOL, which oversees South America’s major competitions, confirmed the abandonment of the game, citing a “lack of security guarantees from the local club and the local security authorities”.

Meanwhile, Buenos Aires provincial security minister Javier Alonso criticised the delayed decision to suspend the fixture, saying it was “clear that there was a very hostile attitude”.