59 Injured After Rival Fans Clash at Colombia Cup Final in Medellin

Fifty-nine people were injured after clashes between rival supporters at the Colombia Cup final in Medellin. Atletico Nacional won the second leg 1-0 against their city rivals, but the victory was overshadowed by disorder that spread from the stands to the pitch.

What happened

The trouble began when fans poured onto the field after the final whistle at Estadio Atanasio Girardot, a stadium shared by both clubs. Some supporters carried flares and fireworks, prompting riot police to move in and disperse the crowd. Seven police officers were injured in the disturbances.

Damage and delays

Local outlets described significant damage inside the stadium, with seats and turnstiles damaged and portions of the field scorched by fire. The match had been delayed by about 14 minutes at kickoff due to heavy pyrotechnics in the stands causing reduced visibility.

Officials' response

Medellin's mayor condemned those responsible for the violence and warned that legal consequences would follow for anyone who attacked people, damaged property, or incited fear. He emphasized that the city remains committed to peaceful football and accountability for wrongdoing.

Police commander William Castano said officers recovered weapons, flares and more than 120 kilograms of pyrotechnic material from spectators. He explained that a graduated use of force was necessary to prevent a pitch occupation and to protect attendees.

Security and policy notes

Traditionally, away fans are barred from major Colombian matches to reduce risk. In this derby, authorities had allowed attendance by supporters from both sides to foster a peaceful event, though officials later noted flaws in that approach.

Expert perspective

A security expert says the incident underscores ongoing crowd-management challenges at large stadiums. They call for stronger enforcement and clearer penalties to deter future violence.

Summary

In Medellin, the Colombia Cup final concluded with 59 injuries as fan violence interrupted the sporting event. Police reported confiscated weapons and pyrotechnics, as authorities vowed accountability. The episode raises questions about crowd control and safety measures for high-risk matches in Colombia and beyond.

Key takeaway: A derby clash can overwhelm a game’s result, prompting urgent security reviews and tougher measures for future matches. BBC Sport

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