December 19 – Fifty-nine people were injured after scenes of chaos unfolded at the end of the Colombia Cup final in Medellín, marring what should have been a showpiece occasion for Colombian football.
Trouble broke out inside the Estadio Atanasio Girardot moments after Atlético Nacional secured a 1–0 win over city rivals Deportivo Independiente Medellín in Wednesday night’s second leg.
Supporters from both sides spilled on to the pitch after the final whistle, some carrying flares and fireworks, prompting riot police to move in to restore order. Seven police officers were among those hurt.
The derby carries added edge because both clubs share the stadium, and tensions had been building throughout the night. According to local daily El Colombiano, the damage left behind was extensive. Seats and turnstiles were torn out, and sections of the playing surface were burned.
The match had begun uneasily after a 14 minute kick-off delay after smoke from pyrotechnics reduced visibility in the stands.
Medellín’s mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, condemned the violence and said those responsible would face consequences.
“Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy or incite fear will be held accountable under law. We will not allow a few to damage what belongs to everyone,” he said.
“For years we’ve been a beacon of peaceful football in our country and throughout Latin America.”
Police commander William Castaño said officers had seized a significant amount of prohibited material before and during the match.
“We confiscated weapons, flares and fireworks, including more than 120 kilograms of pyrotechnic material,” he told Teleantioquia.
“It was necessary to apply the graduated use of force to prevent the pitch being occupied, control public disorder and guarantee the safety of those attending.”
Medellín’s secretary of security, Manuel Villa, insisted the issue lay with fan behaviour rather than planning.
“Here, security did not fail; what failed was the behaviour of those who chose violence,” he said.
Away supporters are usually banned from major fixtures in Colombia because of the risk of disorder. For this final, authorities had allowed fans from both clubs to attend in an effort to promote coexistence. Instead, the night ended with injuries and vandalism.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]