Copa Sudamericana Match Abandoned After Fan Clashes in Buenos Aires

Independiente vs Universidad de Chile abandoned

A Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile was abandoned due to fan violence, resulting in 10 injuries and 90 arrests.

The Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile in Buenos Aires was abandoned due to violent clashes between fans. The match was tied 1-1 when it was suspended in the 48th minute, with Universidad de Chile leading 2-1 on aggregate. The decision to abandon the match was made due to security concerns, with CONMEBOL citing inadequate local security and referring the case to its judicial bodies.

La CONMEBOL anunció oficialmente la cancelación del partido de vuelta ante Independiente, por lo que quedaremos a la espera de la resolución de la instancia correspondiente.

Sin embargo, en estos momentos, lo deportivo pasa a segundo plano. Nuestra máxima preocupación es conocer… pic.twitter.com/7qW5MX4EOP

— Universidad de Chile (@udechile) August 21, 2025

The violence erupted at halftime when Universidad de Chile fans 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. Over 300 Universidad de Chile fans were arrested, and several supporters from both clubs sustained injuries, with reports of stab wounds and serious injuries.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned the violence, emphasizing the government's focus on ensuring the welfare of affected Chilean fans. He instructed the Chilean ambassador to visit fans being held at police stations and treated in hospitals in the Argentine capital. Both clubs issued statements condemning the violence, which is a recurring issue in Argentine football.

CONMEBOL, South America's football governing body, announced that the match was canceled due to “the lack of security guarantees from the local club and local security authorities.” The governing body will refer the case to its judicial bodies for further review. Information about the events surrounding the cancellation will be forwarded to the disciplinary committee for potential action. This decision highlights CONMEBOL's commitment to prioritizing safety and security in the tournament.

Lo sucedido en Avellaneda entre las hinchadas de Independiente y Universidad de Chile está mal en demasiados sentidos, desde la violencia en las barras hasta la evidente irresponsabilidad en la organización. La justicia deberá determinar los responsables.

Ahora nuestra…

— Gabriel Boric Font (@GabrielBoric) August 21, 2025

Over 300 Universidad de Chile fans were arrested following violent clashes during the Copa Sudamericana match against Independiente in Buenos Aires. The clashes also resulted in several supporters from both clubs sustaining injuries, with reports indicating some were seriously hurt, including stab wounds and life-threatening conditions.

Chile's President, Gabriel Boric, strongly condemned the violence in a statement on social media, expressing his government's commitment to ensuring the welfare of affected Chilean fans. He instructed the Chilean ambassador to visit fans being held at police stations and treated in hospitals in the Argentine capital.

The match was abandoned due to the violence, which erupted at halftime 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.

“What happened ... is wrong in so many ways, from the violence in the stands to the obvious irresponsibility in the organisation,” he wrote.

“The justice system must determine who is responsible.

“Now our priority as a government is to find out the condition of our compatriots who have been attacked, ensure they receive immediate medical attention, and that those who have been detained have their rights respected.”

This incident follows a tragic event in April where two fans died in clashes between fans and police outside Santiago's Monumental Stadium before a Copa Libertadores match between Colo Colo and Fortaleza.

The decision to cancel the match was made after violent clashes between fans led to security concerns, resulting in over 300 Universidad de Chile fans being arrested and several supporters from both clubs sustaining injuries.

Violence is a recurring issue in Argentine football, with pressure group Salvemos Al Futbol cataloging over 350 football-related deaths in the country over the last century. This statistic highlights the need for improved security measures and fan behavior management in Argentine stadiums.

In response to the incident, both clubs issued statements condemning the violence. Boric emphasized the government's focus on ensuring the welfare of affected Chilean fans, providing medical care and respecting the rights of those detained. The case has been referred to CONMEBOL's judicial bodies for further investigation.