Copa Sudamericana Clash in Buenos Aires Abandoned After Fan Violence Clash in Buenos Aires Abandoned After Fan Violence

A Copa Sudamericana last-16 tie in Buenos Aires descended into chaos on Wednesday night after violent clashes between Independiente and Universidad de Chile supporters forced the match to be abandoned, Sport360NG reports.

The second leg at Estadio Libertadores de América in Avellaneda was halted midway through the second half with the score at 1-1 (2-1 on aggregate to the Chileans) when fighting escalated in the stands.

Universidad de Chile confirmed that 19 of their fans were hospitalised, while two were stabbed and one remains in critical condition after falling from the upper tier of the stadium. Chile’s ambassador to Argentina, José Antonio Viera-Gallo, reported that a man in his 30s was among the most seriously injured.

Authorities detained at least 97 Chilean supporters, though local media suggested the number of arrests could exceed 300.

The trouble began during half-time, when objects, including seats, sinks, toilets and even a stun grenade, were hurled from the away section toward home fans below. In the second half, Independiente supporters stormed the visiting enclosure, forcing Universidad fans to flee and leaving many stripped and beaten.

Chilean president Gabriel Boric condemned the violence, writing on social media: “Nothing justifies a lynching. Nothing. What happened in Avellaneda is unacceptable, from the violence itself to the lack of responsibility in the organisation. Justice must determine those responsible.”

Universidad director Daniel Schapira described the scenes as “desperate” and criticised the stadium’s layout: “They gave us 3,500 tickets and placed our fans above the Independiente supporters. This isn’t just football anymore; it’s a cultural and organisational crisis. It’s a circus.”

Independiente president Néstor Grindetti, however, blamed the visitors: “The behaviour of Universidad fans was reprehensible. They destroyed bathrooms, ripped out fittings and hurled them into the stands. I’ve never seen violence like this before. Our supporters didn’t deserve it.”

Universidad president Michael Clark struck a different tone, saying: “This is not the time to assign blame. What we witnessed today is a tragedy.”

CONMEBOL later confirmed the match had been cancelled due to “the lack of security guarantees from the host club and local authorities,” with the case now referred to its disciplinary committee.

Independiente’s Chilean midfielder Felipe Loyola expressed his dismay on social media: “This level of violence cannot be tolerated. I feel devastated. This isn’t football, sport is not violence.”