Football match in Colombia is suspended after terrifying mass brawl in the stands as fans ‘wield knives and machetes – leaving 20 supporters injured’
- Atletico Nacional defeated Atletico Junior 2-0 when the match was stopped
- Away supporters appeared to break into the home section and ignite mass fighting
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A football match in Colombia had to be suspended after mass violence broke out in the stands, reportedly leaving 20 people injured.
Atletico Nacional and Atletico Junior were in the second half of their Prima A match when fighting between the two groups of fans caused the match to be abandoned.
After Marino Hinestroza made it 2-0 for the home team, away supporters seemed to break into the home section.
When it became clear that a massive brawl had broken out, referee Nolberto Ararat decided to stop the match with 55 minutes on the clock, but it was not restarted.
Reports have suggested that several of the 20 injured fans have been taken to medical centers near the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.
The match between Atletico Nacional and Atletico Junior in Colombia was suspended due to crowd fighting
Some supporters appeared to use sharp objects such as knives in the horrific brawl
Many of the injured were also treated by the Red Cross in the lower level of the stadium, according to El Colombiano.
After the horrific scenes of violence, Medellin’s Security Minister Manuel Villa punished the fans involved.
“Football should be a celebration of peace,” Villa said. Football culture is a collective commitment.
“But if someone doesn’t understand that, he doesn’t fit into this party: those who pretend to be fans and who create these situations and act outside the law are not fans, but criminals and should be treated as such. Irresponsible!
“Sanctions will follow and measures will be taken if necessary.”
Footage of the brawl, captured from the stands, suggests a visiting fan wielded a knife against Nacional supporters.
As the chaotic scenes worsened, fans in the area could be seen running away from the fight on the upper tier, trying to make their way to the stands below.
Riot police were forced into the stands to disperse the crowd
The brawl even caused some fans to enter the pitch in fear before riot police intervened in an attempt to stop the fighting.
Colombian media outlet El Heraldo has since reported that stun grenades could be heard going off in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
The stadium was eventually evacuated by police and a new date for the match was unknown at this time.