Chaos at Copa Sudamericana: Fans Clash in Buenos Aires

Violent altercations between supporters in Buenos Aires forced the cancellation of a Copa Sudamericana round of 16 match between Chile's Universidad de Chile and Argentina's Independiente.

The violence erupted at halftime when Universidad fans threw stones, bottles, sticks, and even a stun grenade at Independiente supporters. In response, home fans stormed the away section, brutally attacking those who could not escape.

According to officials, 19 people were injured, three seriously, including one fan who jumped from the stands to save himself. Nearly 100 people were arrested following the incident.

The attacks were described as a "unacceptable lynching" by Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who also dispatched his interior minister to Argentina to assist the injured and oversee the inquiry.  Michael Clark, president of Universidad, called it a "miracle no one is dead."

Independiente president Nestor Grindetti accused Chilean fans of vandalism, saying they ripped out toilets and hurled them into the stands. Witnesses also claimed projectiles such as rocks, seats, and even bottles of urine were thrown.

The match, which was tied 1-1 at the time, was officially called off. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, called for severe sanctions and denounced the violence as "barbaric." South American football body CONMEBOL pledged to act firmly against those responsible, with punishments possibly including fines or disqualification.

Security forces have been criticized for reacting too slowly, while both clubs continue to blame each other for the disaster. The Chilean football association (ANFP) accused Independiente of passivity, while the Argentine club insisted it followed all safety rules.

The violence has once again highlighted South America’s long struggle with football hooliganism, which has claimed hundreds of lives over the years.