Copa Libertadores Match Between Independiente Medellin and Flamengo Abandoned Due to Riots
Theo Al Jazeera English
A Copa Libertadores group stage match between Independiente Medellin and Flamengo was abandoned after home fans set off flares and started fires. The chaos occurred just after kickoff at Atanasio Girardot Stadium, forcing a 50-minute suspension and eventual evacuation. CONMEBOL officially called off the match, and Flamengo has demanded the three points.
A Copa Libertadores group stage match between Independiente Medellin of Colombia and defending champions Flamengo of Brazil was abandoned after home supporters ignited flares and fires in the stands at Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellin on Thursday local time.
Chaos erupted shortly after the referee's opening whistle, forcing the official to send players off the field. Following a 50-minute suspension, local authorities ordered the evacuation of spectators. South American football confederation CONMEBOL later officially called off the Group A fixture.
Radical home fans, some wearing masks, carried out the violent acts to protest against the leadership and ownership of Independiente Medellin.
Flamengo's sporting director Jose Boto called on CONMEBOL to award the three points to the visitors. "The responsibility does not lie with us; the home team failed to guarantee security," he said in a video statement.
The incident marks one of the latest serious riots at South American football matches.
