Fifty-nine individuals sustained injuries following unrest involving opposing supporter groups at the Colombian Cup showpiece in Medellin.
Fifty-nine individuals sustained injuries following unrest involving opposing supporter groups at the Colombian Cup showpiece in Medellin.
The disturbance unfolded inside Estadio Atanasio Girardot once Atletico Nacional secured a 1-0 victory over city neighbors Deportivo Independiente Medellin in the second match of the final, played on Wednesday.
Both clubs normally use the same venue, which became the center of the chaos moments after the contest ended.
Supporters ran onto the field when the referee blew for full time, with some carrying flares and fireworks, prompting the intervention of riot units to regain control.
Seven members of the police force were counted among those harmed during the incident.
According to local daily El Colombiano, the arena suffered extensive harm, including torn-out seating, broken turnstiles, and areas of turf scorched by pyrotechnics.
The paper also noted that kickoff was pushed back by 14 minutes because smoke from fireworks reduced visibility inside the ground.
Authorities later confirmed that officers confiscated a large quantity of prohibited items from spectators.
Police commander William Castano told broadcaster Teleantioquia that weapons, flares, and fireworks had been seized, amounting to more than 120 kilograms of pyrotechnic material.
He explained that officers were required to use graduated force to stop fans from overrunning the pitch, restore public order, and protect those present.
Medellin mayor Federico Gutierrez criticized those responsible, describing them as individuals intent only on causing destruction and fear.
He warned that anyone who entered the stadium with the aim of attacking or damaging property would face legal consequences, stressing that shared public spaces must be protected.
Gutierrez added that the city had built a reputation for calm, family-friendly football across Colombia and Latin America.
Security secretary Manuel Villa, also speaking to Teleantioquia, argued that the arrangements themselves were not at fault.
He said the failure lay solely with the conduct of those who chose aggression.
Typically, visiting supporters are excluded from high-profile fixtures in Colombia to reduce the risk of clashes.
For this derby, however, city officials allowed fans from both sides to attend as part of an effort to encourage harmony within the sport.
