South American Champions League game suspended less than two minutes into the game as fans burned the pitch International Sports News

A match between Brazilian giants Flamengo and Colombian side Independiente Medellín in the Copa Libertadores, the Copa Libertadores’ equivalent of the Champions League, was called off shortly after kick-off due to chaotic protests by home fans inside the stadium. A Group A match at the Atanasio Giraldot Stadium, also known locally as the “Montana Giants,” descended into chaos after Medellín Independiente fans began throwing objects onto the pitch, lighting flares and trying to invade the pitch.According to “The Sun”With 1 minute and 50 seconds left in the game, the game was stopped by Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela, and both teams were eventually sent back to the locker room. Scenes inside the stadium quickly escalated, with parts of the stands catching fire as security and police tried to prevent a full-scale invasion of the pitch behind one of the goals.

Fans protest against club ownership and management

Colombian media reported that The riot was sparked by Independiente Medellín fans’ growing anger towards the club’s ownership and management following the team’s poor performances. Colombia were eliminated from the Liga Dimayor Apertura play-offs recently after beating Aguilas Doradas 2-1 at home. Liga Dimayor is Colombia’s top domestic football competition, organized by División Mayor del Fútbol Columbiano (commonly known as Dimayor). A disappointing run has seen the team slip to 11th in the La Liga standings. During the unrest, supporters held banners criticizing the players as well as Di Maior, CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body and FIFA.

Security officials reportedly asked for the game to be played behind closed doors due to rising tensions between fans, but the request was ultimately rejected by club officials.

Fire breaks out in the stands, leaving reporters in chaos

The atmosphere inside the stadium became increasingly dangerous as flares and projectiles were fired from the stands. Images and footage from the ground showed a section of seats engulfed in flames, while supporters continued to throw objects into the pitch. ESPN Brazil reported that a reporter’s backpack caught fire after a missile was thrown at the media area, and a photographer’s pants and equipment were also reportedly set on fire during the unrest. Security forces were deployed throughout the stadium as officials attempted to regain control of the situation. About 10 minutes after the stoppage, the stadium announcer instructed supporters to leave the field, and about an hour after kick-off, CONMEBOL officially declared the game over.

Fans’ anger intensified after club owner Raul Giraldo reportedly announced his resignation from legal representation related to the club after he was caught making obscene gestures to fans. Protesters have since called for the entire management structure to be dismantled. Neither Independiente Medellín nor CONMEBOL immediately made detailed public comments after the waiver.

Flamengo expected to win under CONMEBOL rules

Flamengo director of football Jose Boto later said Brazil expected to take all three points in line with CONMEBOL regulations. “The responsibility is not ours, the rules are clear,” Botto said in a video posted on Flamengo’s official social media account. “The home team failed to ensure safety.” According to CONMEBOL’s disciplinary code, if a club is deemed responsible for suspending, canceling or abandoning a match, the opponent can win 3-0. If the ruling is enforced, reigning Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo will extend their lead at the top of Group A and move four points clear of Argentinian side Estudiantes de La Plata. Medellín Independiente remain in third place with four points in the four-team group, having beaten only Peruvian club FC Cusco in the competition so far.

Flamengo has several former Premier League players

Flamengo currently have a squad made up of several well-known former Premier League players, including Lucas Paqueta, Jorginho, Emerson Royal and Danilo. During the long delay, Jorginho posted a photo on X with several teammates in the Flamengo dressing room with the caption: “We are doing well, just waiting here!” Flamengo is one of the most successful clubs in the history of South American football, best known for defeating Liverpool 3-0 in the 1981 Intercontinental Cup final thanks to the legendary performance of iconic midfielder Zico.

The latest flashpoint in a tumultuous South American football season

The cancellation of the Copa Libertadores is the latest major incident involving South American football this year. Back in March, the Mineiro League final between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro ended in a massive brawl that resulted in a staggering 23 red cards. Former Porto and Zenit striker Hulk was among the players after Cruzeiro won 1-0. “Sadly, I have never seen such violence in any football match,” Hulk told local media after the clash.