Fans of Argentina’s Independiente attack a Universidad de Chile fan, right, after they stripped him of his clothing during a Copa Sudamericana round of sixteen second leg soccer match at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Independiente disqualified from Copa Sudamericana after violent clashes at stadium
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Argentine club Independiente was disqualified from the Copa Sudamericana after violent clashes involving fans at its stadium in a match against the Universidad de Chile last month, South American soccer’s governing body said Thursday.
Fans of Argentina’s Independiente attack a Universidad de Chile fan, right, after they stripped him of his clothing during a Copa Sudamericana round of sixteen second leg soccer match at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Argentine club Independiente was disqualified from the Copa Sudamericana after violent clashes involving fans at its stadium in a match against the Universidad de Chile last month, South American soccer’s governing body said Thursday.
Regional soccer authorities also ruled that Universidad de Chile would advance to the quarterfinals of the continental competition where they will play Alianza de Lima of Peru.
The Argentine club also must pay a $250,000 fine and play their next seven home games without supporters in the stadium.
Universidad de Chile will also have to play seven games behind closed doors and pay a $270,000 fine.
According to Argentine police, the incident began when fans, located in the upper stands, tore up seats and threw blunt objects toward the lower section, where the home fans were located.
The match was suspended at halftime with the score at 1-1 as rival supporters continued to throw projectiles.
Just as the Universidad fans were leaving the stands, hooded Independiente supporters broke barriers to enter the visitors’ section and attacked people with sticks and metal bars.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
All of the injured football fans have already been discharged from the hospital.
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation