A Copa Sudamericana round-of-16 match between Argentina’s Independiente and Universidad de Chile was abandoned on Wednesday, August 20, after violent clashes between rival fans at the Libertadores de América Stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina. Ten people were injured, and 90 were arrested, according to club officials and police, as the second-leg encounter, tied at 1-1, was halted in the 48th minute.

The violence erupted at halftime when Universidad de Chile supporters, positioned in the upper Pavoni stand, threw stones, sticks, bottles, seats, and a stun grenade at Independiente fans below, prompting a fierce retaliation. Shocking scenes unfolded as home supporters stormed the away section, beating and stripping some Chilean fans of their clothing.

One Universidad fan jumped from the stands to escape, sustaining injuries. An AFP reporter witnessed the chaos, with social media posts on X, including from @golazoargentino, describing Independiente’s barra brava attacking stranded Chilean fans.

A security ministry source told AFP, “We have 90 people detained outside the stadium for causing trouble.” An Independiente spokesperson confirmed 10 injuries, with local reports noting three in serious condition. CONMEBOL canceled the match due to inadequate security, stating the case would be referred to its judicial bodies.

With Universidad leading 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-0 first-leg win, their advancement to the quarterfinals remains pending. The incident, widely condemned on X with hashtags like #JusticeForTheFan, reignites concerns over recurring fan violence in South American football.

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