CONMEBOL promises severe penalties in response to supporter violence during the Copa Sudamericana
CONMEBOL vowed to impose strict punishment in response to the fan violence that prompted the cancellation of Independiente vs. Universidad de Chile’s Copa Sudamericana last-16 match in Buenos Aires on Thursday. The incident left many people hurt and resulted in multiple arrests.
With the score tied at 1-1 and the Chilean team leading 2-1 overall, the South American football governing body called off Wednesday’s play at Independiente’s Libertadores de America stadium just after the second half began due to mounting security concerns.
When Chilean supporters threw objects at home fans, Independiente supporters stormed the visitors’ area. One Chilean fan, at least, jumped from the upper stands to get out of the commotion.
“The violence that occurred both inside and outside the stadium is expressedly repudiated and severely condemned by the Confederation… According to CONMEBOL’s statement, the organization will adhere to the Disciplinary Committee’s rules with the highest rigor.
It additionally stated that it was “currently gathering data and processing information, which is being forwarded to the Disciplinary Unit for the application of the corresponding sanctions.”
President of FIFA Gianni Infantino denounced the “shocking violence” that caused the game to be called off. “We hope that the competent authorities will impose exemplary sanctions against the perpetrators of these terrible acts,” he continued.
More than 300 Universidad de Chile supporters were arrested, according to Argentine media, while supporters of both clubs were hurt. The Chilean Foreign Ministry confirmed that 19 of its residents were hospitalized and 101 were jailed.
The Chilean ambassador has been ordered to visit supporters who are being detained at police stations and receiving medical attention at hospitals in the Argentine capital, according to social media posts made by Chilean President Gabriel Boric. The diplomats will fly to Argentina to bolster the Chilean consulate in Buenos Aires.
“Violence has no justification, from any side, and we will protect the rights of our citizens without prejudice to the responsibilities that may be established by the justice system,” Boric said on his account on X.
The unrest started in the visitors’ area, where Chilean fans allegedly damaged facilities and threw debris and fireworks at home supporters before “unacceptable violence by local groups occurred,” Independiente also denounced the acts.
According to the club, medical assistance was given, security procedures were triggered, and they promised to cooperate fully with the inquiry.
“We reiterate with absolute clarity: we reject all forms of violence, whoever it comes from,” the club’s statement read Thursday.
“The Club will work tirelessly so that every individual responsible is identified and sanctioned.”
