Watch: Child attacked with sticks - 3 dead, hundreds arrested in deadly football violence in Argentina

Thursday - 21/08/2025 05:36
A Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile was marred by extreme violence, leading to its abandonment. Clashes between rival fans resulted in numerous injuries and arrests, with Chilean supporters blamed for instigating the chaos. The incident has sparked condemnation from both clubs and political figures, raising concerns about security arrangements at football matches.
Watch: Child attacked with sticks - 3 dead, hundreds arrested in deadly football violence in Argentina
Fans of Argentina's Independiente attack a Universidad de Chile fan, right, after they stripped him of his clothing during a Copa Sudamericana match at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina. (AP)
A Copa Sudamericana match between Argentina's Independiente and Universidad de Chile ended in chaos on Wednesday in Buenos Aires, with 10 people injured and 90 arrested following violent clashes between rival fans. The last-16 second-leg encounter at the Libertadores de America stadium was abandoned in the 48th minute after fans hurled objects including a stun grenade.The violence erupted at half time when Chilean supporters began throwing stones, sticks, bottles and seats at home supporters. The situation escalated as home supporters stormed the away section, beating and stripping some visiting fans of their clothes.One Universidad de Chile fan was forced to jump from the stands to escape attacking opposing supporters after being cornered. The match was initially suspended and later abandoned with the score at 1-1, following Universidad de Chile's 1-0 victory in the first leg.
"We have 90 people detained outside the stadium because they tried to cause trouble and they have already been taken to the police station," a security ministry source told AFP.
Chile's ambassador to Argentina, Jose Antonio Viera-Gallo, reported stab wounds among the injuries and confirmed at least one person was seriously injured, though the nationality was unclear."This level of violence cannot be tolerated," wrote Chilean international Felipe Loyola, who plays for Independiente, on social media. "I don't know where the police were."
Independiente president Nestor Grindetti blamed the Chilean supporters, stating their behaviour was "truly reprehensible."As they departed the stadium, Independiente supporters expressed frustration over the match's security arrangements, particularly the decision to position visiting fans near the home section.Chile's President Gabriel Boric called for justice and criticised the event's organisation through social media. Both clubs issued statements condemning the violence.The incident follows a tragic event in April when two people died in clashes between fans and police outside Santiago's Monumental Stadium before a Copa Libertadores match between Chile's Colo Colo and Brazilian club Fortaleza.

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