⚠️ Match halted as fans set fire in stadium and throw objects

Independiente and Universidad de Chile faced off at the Argentine club's home, Estadio Libertadores de América, in the return leg of the South American Cup round of 16 on Wednesday night (20). With the score tied 1-1.

However, the match was halted four minutes into the second half (and later suspended) after Universidad de Chile fans set fire to the visiting section - where they were seated - and unleashed a "rain" of objects against Independiente's fans.

Including bombs, rocks, iron pieces, and chairs.

– Thursday, 21 August 2025

According to Diario Olé , some Independiente fans had to invade the field in search of safety.

One of them was even hit.

– Thursday, 21 August 2025

The "detail" is that Universidad de Chile won the first leg 1-0.

And was qualifying to face Alianza Lima or Universidad Católica, from Ecuador.

If the match is not resumed due to lack of security, there is a possibility that the Conmebol Disciplinary Tribunal will punish the Chilean club with a loss by W.O.

Which would mean a 3-0 defeat and elimination from the South American Cup.

This is what happened to Colo-Colo due to a disturbance involving their fans in the match against Fortaleza in the group stage of this Libertadores.

The Chilean team was given a W.O. and, as a result, did not advance in the competition.

The fact that the match was halted did not prevent many Universidad de Chile fans from continuing to throw objects. And without any police action.

The Independiente fans who were located below the visiting section and in the left-side boxes had to be removed.

According to reports from the Argentine press, the confusion began even before the ball rolled. And without being stopped.

– Thursday, 21 August 2025

There was an agreement between the two clubs' management on Tuesday (19), which guaranteed five thousand Universidad de Chile fans in the "Rey de Copas" in Chile . A number well above the "traditional" one.

The match was officially suspended for 20 minutes around 11 pm (Brasília time) so that the entire Universidad de Chile fan base could leave the stadium.

The total halt has already lasted over 50 minutes.

The idea is that, without rival fans, the match will resume.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 ALEJANDRO PAGNI - AFP or licensors