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What was supposed to be a sporting celebration ended in violence and pain. On Wednesday night, during the Copa Sudamericana, hooligans from Independiente de Avellaneda brutally attacked fans of the Universidad de Chile with sticks, stones, and knives near the Libertadores de América stadium.
According to witnesses, the confrontation began hours before the match when groups of local supporters intercepted the Chileans on their way to the visiting stands. The situation quickly escalated, leaving several injured, some of them seriously injured.
Images posted on social media show running, punches, and scenes of panic among families and fans who traveled from Santiago to cheer on the "U." Several ambulances had to enter the area to assist those affected, while the Buenos Aires police responded with delays.
Complaints and repudiation
From University of Chile They expressed their condemnation of the incident and demanded that CONMEBOL guarantee the safety of their fans during the remainder of the competition. "This cannot happen again. Our fans were victims of an ambush," said a club official.
Human rights organizations and fan groups also condemned the attack, describing it as "the darkest night of the Copa Sudamericana."
Risk of sanctions
CONMEBOL has disqualified both teams from the Copa Sudamericana. It has also opened a disciplinary investigation against Independiente for the incidents. If its fans are found responsible for the attacks, the Argentine club could face financial penalties, suspension of its stadium, or even the loss of points in the continental tournament.
Meanwhile, the soccer community is once again debating violence on South American stadiums, a scourge that mars the spectacle and puts the lives of fans at risk.
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