Violence erupts in stands at Copa Sudamericana match, forcing cancellation

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — A Copa Sudamericana match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile was suspended in the second half Wednesday due to spectator violence at the Argentine club’s stadium.

Universidad de Chile supporters reportedly threw objects from the visitor section at the home fans, forcing police intervention and a partial evacuation of the Libertadores de América stadium in Buenos Aires.

Despite security intervention, the violence continued and led to clashes between rival supporters before Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera ordered the Round of 16 return match to be stopped with the score tied at 1-1.

Soccer’s South American governing body, CONMEBOL, later announced in a social media post that the game had been canceled.

That allowed Universidad de Chile to advance 2-1 on aggregate to the quarterfinals after a 1-0 win at Santiago in the first leg.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Fans of Argentina’s Independiente hold metal bars during clashes with Universidad de Chile fans after a Copa Sudamericana round of sixteen second leg soccer match was suspended at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
An injured fan of Argentina’s Independiente appeals for help after clashes with Universidad de Chile fans during a Copa Sudamericana round of sixteen second leg soccer match at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Players of Universidad de Chile try to calm down their fans during a Copa Sudamericana round of sixteen second leg soccer match against Argentina’s Independiente at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Fans of Argentina’s Independiente attack a Universidad de Chile fan, right, after they stripped him of his clothing during a Copa Sudamericana round of sixteen second leg soccer match at the Libertadores de America stadium in Avellaneda, Argentina, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

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