Violence between rival supporters of Independiente Santa Fe and América de Cali left 17 people injured and forced their Colombian league match at El Campín Stadium in Bogotá to be suspended for more than 40 minutes.
Bogotá | By Sayer Zaland
Violence erupted between rival fan groups during the Colombian league match between Independiente Santa Fe and América de Cali at El Campín Stadium, leaving 17 people injured and forcing players and officials from the pitch.
The trouble began in the 33rd minute after members of América de Cali supporter group Barón Rojo attempted to take down a banner belonging to the Santa Fe supporters’ group Comunidad Santafereña.
Members of Santa Fe group La Guardia Albi-Roja then entered the pitch, followed by Barón Rojo supporters, leading to clashes involving banner poles, plastic chairs and other objects.
The fighting continued for more than 10 minutes before police intervened and used tear gas to disperse the groups and regain control of the pitch.
Players, coaching staff, match officials and journalists left the playing area during the disturbance, with the match suspended for more than 40 minutes.
The incident came a day after more than 30,000 people attended the “Levantamos a Colombia” charity match at the same stadium to support victims of the Aug. 10 earthquake.
Authorities have since taken action against several supporters identified through stadium security cameras, with fines and individual citations issued.
Further disciplinary measures remain under consideration, including possible partial stand closures for upcoming Independiente Santa Fe matches. A decision from Colombian football’s disciplinary authorities is also expected.
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said the violence would not be allowed to go unpunished and called for the stadium to remain a safe environment for football supporters and families.
“We will not allow the stadium to become a scene of violence; it must be a place of celebration, of football, of family, not of aggression,” Galán said.
Despite the disruption, the match eventually resumed and finished in a goalless draw.
Colombian football has a history of violence involving organized supporter groups, commonly known as barras bravas. Under Colombia’s football supporter regulations, professional football organizers are responsible for providing security and ensuring the safety of spectators inside stadiums.