Universidad de Chile accuses Independiente and Argentine police of failing to protect their supporters during violent clashes in a Copa Sudamericana match, which left 19 hospitalized and forced the game to be abandoned.
In one of the most shocking chapters in football history, Universidad de Chile has accused Independiente and Argentine police of failing to protect their supporters during a horrific outbreak of violence that marred their Copa Sudamericana last-16 clash. The match, which took place in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, was abandoned after 19 of Universidad de Chile’s fans were hospitalized following violent clashes in the stands.
What Happened?
The violence erupted during halftime, when objects, including a stun grenade, were thrown from the away section into the bottom tier, which housed Independiente supporters. This act of aggression quickly spiraled into chaos, leading to an all-out brawl between the two fanbases. The match was called off in the second half when Independiente fans stormed into the visiting supporters’ section, brutally attacking them and forcing them to flee for their safety.
The Aftermath
According to Universidad de Chile, 16 of the 19 hospitalized fans have since been discharged, but one remains in life-threatening condition after suffering a skull fracture. The club described the night as “one of the most violent chapters in the history of football.” They allege that Independiente fans entered the away section without resistance and engaged in violent and “inhuman” acts, the details of which were too brutal to disclose. The Chilean club also claims that Independiente supporters attempted to invade the away dressing room to attack their players, while the windows of their team bus were smashed.
Furthermore, Universidad de Chile claims that around 100 of their supporters were arrested, but accuses the Argentine authorities of failing to detain any of the Independiente attackers.
Independiente’s Response
Independiente has disputed these allegations, claiming the violence originated in the away section before the match even began. According to their statement, visiting supporters were responsible for attacking and disabling the stadium’s CCTV system, damaging restroom facilities, and launching fireworks at home fans. They justified the violent response as “unacceptable” but a result of these provocations.
The Argentine side also rejected accusations that they failed to provide adequate security, asserting that while the proper protocols were followed, they were ultimately “insufficient to contain the excessive violence.” They promised to ban the “criminals disguised as fans” who responded violently and announced they would seek compensation for the damage to their facilities.
Global Outrage
The violence has sparked widespread condemnation, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino taking to social media to call the attacks “barbaric.” He emphasized that violence has no place in football and demanded that local authorities hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Conmebol, the governing body of South American football, took the decision to abandon the match, citing a “lack of security guarantees” from the local club and authorities. Javier Alonso, Buenos Aires provincial security minister, expressed frustration at the delay in canceling the match, noting that it was “clear that there was a very hostile attitude.”
What’s Next for Universidad de Chile and Independiente?
With Conmebol taking action, it remains to be seen how the incident will impact both clubs moving forward. Universidad de Chile is calling for strict measures to be implemented to prevent similar outbreaks of violence, while Independiente is focusing on identifying and banning those responsible for the chaos at the stadium. Both clubs will likely face further scrutiny as authorities investigate the events surrounding the disturbing scenes in Buenos Aires.
