A violent brawl erupted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during a Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 match between Chile’s Universidad de Chile and host club Independiente, marking one of the darkest nights in football history. The bloody clashes between rival supporters forced police to intervene with heavy force, leading to the match’s cancellation. At least 19 fans were hospitalized, while Universidad de Chile claimed that more than 100 of their supporters were arrested.
According to a BBC report, Universidad de Chile accused Independiente fans and local police of brutal attacks on their supporters, describing the night as “one of the most violent chapters in football history.” Sixteen of the 19 hospitalized fans have since been discharged, while one supporter, who suffered a brain injury and was admitted to intensive care, remains in stable condition.
Universidad de Chile later issued a statement condemning the assaults: “Independiente fans freely invaded our section and carried out extreme, inhumane attacks. Their brutality is beyond words. Home supporters even tried to break into our dressing room to attack our players and smashed our team bus windows. Nearly 100 Chilean supporters were detained, yet none of the home team’s attackers were arrested.”
Independiente rejected the accusations, blaming visiting fans for provoking the clashes. The Argentine club alleged that Chilean supporters damaged CCTV cameras, vandalized toilets, and threw fireworks at home fans before kickoff, claiming these provocations triggered the unrest.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the incident, declaring: “There is no place for violence in football. Players, fans, officials, and staff all deserve to enjoy this beautiful game in a safe environment. We stand with all the innocent victims and urge authorities to bring those responsible for these barbaric incidents to justice.”
