New clashes between Chilean and Argentinian ultras point to a never-ending scourge
At the end of a match marked by scenes of violence between Chilean and Argentinian supporters in Buenos Aires, which left more than a hundred injured, the press denounced the chronic violence that continues to undermine South American football.
“The stadium resembled a military zone,” “a night from hell,” “unimaginable chaos.” The press abounded with adjectives to describe the evening of Wednesday, August 20, at the Libertadores de América stadium in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province.
As CA Independiente faced Universidad de Chile in the second leg of the last 16 of the Copa Sudamericana – the equivalent of the Europa League – a series of violent incidents broke out between Chilean and Argentinian fans, reports La Nación . The clashes were so intense that the match had to be suspended in the 48th minute.
The Chilean daily La Tercera described apocalyptic scenes, with “projectiles and chairs being thrown in all directions” and “people forced to throw themselves into the void to escape the chaos.” According to La Nación, Chilean fans “without restraint threw pieces of concrete blocks, broomsticks, and stun grenades” at Independiente supporters. The provisional death toll is at least ten people seriously injured and more than 300 arrested, according to the Argentinian channel Canal C. Other reports, however, suggest more than 185 people were injured.
In both countries, the p
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