Staff Report: PNN
Another violent incident has been witnessed in South American club football. The Copa Libertadores match between Colombian club Independiente Medellín and Brazilian champions Flamengo was abandoned due to crowd violence.
The match at Atanasio Girardot Stadium in Medellín on Thursday was disrupted shortly after kickoff when a group of home supporters set fire in the stands and threw flares, creating a dangerous situation.
Witnesses said many fans had covered their faces and were protesting against the club management. When the situation became uncontrollable, authorities ordered the stadium to be evacuated after about 50 minutes.
CONMEBOL later officially announced that the Group A match had been abandoned.
Flamengo sporting director José Boto expressed anger, saying the host club failed to ensure security and demanded that full three points be awarded to Flamengo.
In recent times, spectator violence in South American football has been increasing at an alarming rate, raising serious concerns about security arrangements and fan behavior in football stadiums.
