1 Dead, At least 10 Injured After Soccer Fans Attack Each Other At Buenos Aires Game | WATCH
Tragedy struck Buenos Aires as a Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile descended into chaos, leaving multiple fans dead or injured.
A Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 match between Argentina’s Independiente and Chile’s Universidad de Chile was abandoned yesterday at Estadio Libertadores de América in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, after violent clashes erupted between fans. The second-leg tie, tied at 1-1 (2-1 on aggregate to Universidad de Chile), was halted early in the second half due to severe safety concerns. CONMEBOL canceled the match, citing “the lack of security guarantees from the local club and authorities,” and referred the case to its disciplinary committee.
The violence began at halftime when Universidad de Chile fans in the upper Pavoni stand threw objects, including stones, bottles, seats, and a stun grenade, at Independiente supporters below. In retaliation, Independiente’s notorious “barras bravas” stormed the away section, attacking with metal rods and other weapons.
Reports indicate at least one fan died after falling from a grandstand while fleeing the chaos, with some sources suggesting up to three fatalities, though Argentine authorities have not confirmed the exact number. At least 10–19 fans were seriously injured, including two stabbings, and 90–300 arrests were made, primarily of Chilean supporters.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned the “irresponsibility” in the match’s organization, prioritizing medical care for affected fans. Independiente’s president, Nestor Grindetti, defended the club’s “logical” security measures, blaming Chilean fans for initiating the violence. Universidad de Chile director Daniel Schapira called it a “social and cultural issue,” criticizing the placement of away fans above Independiente’s hooligans. Social media, under hashtags like #Sudamericana2025 and #IndependienteUdeChile, reflected outrage, with videos showing the brutal attacks and a fan’s fatal fall.
The tragedy highlights chronic safety issues in Argentine football, with over 350 football-related deaths recorded in the past century. CONMEBOL has yet to decide the match’s outcome, with Universidad de Chile advancing by default due to their aggregate lead.