Colombia Cup Final Violence Injures 59 as Fans Clash in Medellín

Two rival clubs met in the Colombia Cup final in Medellín under tight security. After Atlético Nacional won 1-0, clashes between supporters left 59 people injured and caused stadium damage.

What happened

At the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, the second leg finished with a 1-0 victory for Atlético Nacional. Fans surged onto the field after full-time, with some carrying flares and fireworks, and riot police moved in to restore order.

Injuries and stadium damage

Authorities confirmed 59 injuries, including seven police officers. Local reports described extensive damage to the venue — seats torn from stands, turnstiles damaged, and parts of the pitch burned. The kickoff had been delayed about 14 minutes due to pyrotechnics in the stands.

Officials’ responses

Medellín mayor Federico Gutierrez condemned the violence, calling the perpetrators misfits who only seek violence and promising accountability under the law. He emphasized that peaceful football remains a city priority and pledged to protect fans and property.

Security actions and context

Police commander William Castano said officers seized weapons, flares and fireworks from spectators, including more than 120 kilograms of pyrotechnic material. He noted that authorities used graduated force to prevent pitch occupation and to restore public order while safeguarding attendees.

derby security context

Traditionally, away supporters are barred from major matches in Colombia to reduce violence. For this derby, authorities allowed both sides’ fans to attend to promote peaceful football, sparking debate over security approaches for high-risk events.

Expert commentary

Expert comment: Security analysts say incidents like this reveal gaps in crowd management at high-risk derbies. They urge stronger enforcement and smarter monitoring to deter violence while keeping venues accessible to fans.

Short summary

In summary, the Colombia Cup final ended amid violence that injured 59 people and damaged the stadium. The episode highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing inclusive fan participation with robust security at major sports events. Authorities promise accountability and ongoing efforts to promote peaceful football.

Key insight: Major football derbies can turn violent even with planning; strong crowd control and clear accountability are essential to protect fans and property. BBC Sport

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