Match abandoned as stun grenades thrown & police blocked from entering stand

A SOUTH AMERICAN football game was abandoned after violent scenes in the crowd led to fans running for cover.

The Copa Sudamericana clash between Argentine side Independiente and Chilean club Universidad de Chile was ditched after the incident escalated beyond control during the game.

9 Fans in the stands clashed during the game Credit: EPA

9 Some supporters were wielding metal poles Credit: EPA

9 The fights led to multiple injuries Credit: EPA

9 Universidad de Chile and Independiente players tried to calm down the crowd after their game was suspended due to violence in the stands Credit: AP

9 Players and staff waited for the issues to be resolved but the game was ultimately abandoned Credit: AFP

Just after half-time in the last-16 tie, chaos broke out in the stands of the Libertadores de America stadium in Buenos Aires.

Universidad de Chile supporters could be seen launching objects at the home fans, while there was also reports of the detonation of a stun bomb.

Videos that emerged online appeared to show one fan attacking another with a metal pole.

Multiple fans were left injured with images showing supporters bleeding from the head.

The game was suspended amid the chaos while it has been claimed that no security or police were able to enter the stands due to the mass number of fans lashing out.

Following referee Gustavo Tejera's decision to temporarily suspend the game, the gates into one of the home stands were opened to allow fans to run for cover.

While the referee and local authorities gave Universidad de Chile supporters a 20-minute window to leave the stadium, in a bid to allow the game to continue.

After a short period of uncertainty, the game was abandoned after it was decided it was unsafe to restart the match.

9 Fans were given 20 minutes to evacuate the stands Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

9 Some supporters were launching items at others Credit: AP

A short statement on Independiente's X account read: "The match for the second leg of the Round of 16 has been officially suspended due to the incidents."

South American football's governing body (CONMEBOL) said the match had been cancelled due to "the lack of security guarantees from the local club and local security authorities."

The tournament they were competing in is South America's equivalent of the Europa League.

Conmebol also warned that disciplinary action could be taken, adding: "All information regarding the events that occurred inside and outside the stadium will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee of the South American Football Confederation."

Argentine media has reported that more than 300 Universidad de Chile fans were arrested following the violence.

The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, took to social media to issue a statement condemning the incidents.

He wrote: "What happened in Avellaneda between the fans of Independiente and Universidad de Chile is wrong in too many ways.

"From the violence among the supporters to the evident irresponsibility in the organisation.

"Justice must determine those responsible.

"Now our priority as a Government is to know the condition of our compatriots who have been attacked, ensure their immediate medical attention, and guarantee that those who are detained have their rights respected.

"To this end, we are working with the Embassy, Consulate, Foreign Ministry, and Ministry of the Interior."

Adding: "I have instructed our ambassador in Argentina , José Antonio Viera Gallo, to personally visit both the police station where the Universidad de Chile fans are detained and the hospital where the injured are to ensure the safety of our compatriots."

The score was tied at 1-1 when the match was abandoned, with Universidad de Chile leading 2-1 on aggregate after their 1-0 first leg victory.

At present there has been no announcement on the rescheduling of the fixture.

9 The game was abandoned after the violence couldn't be stopped Credit: AP:Associated Press

9 Staff picked up chairs that had been hurled at fans and onto the pitch Credit: Shutterstock Editorial