MEDELLÍN, Colombia. – The match between Deportivo Independiente Medellín and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, corresponding to the fourth matchday of Group A of the Copa Libertadores, was suspended this Thursday just four minutes into the game due to serious incidents involving fans in the Atanasio Girardot stadium.
The situation originated in one of the stands of the sports venue, where supporters of the Colombian team expressed their discontent with the team’s poor performance, recently eliminated from the local tournament.
During the protest, several fans threw pyrotechnics from the north stand, causing intense smoke that reduced visibility on the playing field. In addition, the throwing of objects and attempts to invade the field were reported.
Faced with the disorder, Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela decided to immediately stop the match and order both teams to return to the changing rooms while the security situation was assessed.
The images of the incident showed players from Medellín and Flamengo waiting for instructions while the authorities tried to control the atmosphere in the stands.
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So far, neither the South American Football Confederation nor the clubs involved have issued an official decision on the resumption or definitive suspension of the commitment.
The episode once again highlights the concern for acts of violence in South American sporting venues, especially in high-profile continental competitions.
