A total of 20 people were reportedly injured after a mass brawl broke out at a football match in Colombia, which was suspended
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Atletico Nacional vs Atletico Junior suspendedMass brawl leaves 20 supporters injuredReports of fans wielding 'knives & machetes'WHAT HAPPENED?
Atletico Nacional were leading Atletico Junior 2-0 in the second half of their Prima A clash when fighting rival fans caused the game to be stopped at Atanasio Girardo Stadium. According to the Daily Mail, several of the 20 fans who were harmed were treated in the stands or taken to medical centres nearby; with some at the ground allegedly wielding knives and machetes in the chaos on Thursday.
AdvertisementAFP"THERE WILL BE SANCTIONS'
Manuel Villa, who is Security of Security in the Colombian city of Medellin, said after the game: "Football should be a celebration of peace. The culture of football is a collective commitment. But if someone doesn't understand that, they have no place in this celebration: those masquerading as fans who create these situations and act outside the law are not fans, but criminals and should be treated as such. Irresponsible! There will be sanctions, and measures will be taken as necessary."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This pandemonium and violence leaves a stain on Colombian football. According to reports, footage of the brawls have captured one visiting fan wielding a knife on Nacional supporters, before riot police intervened. Local newspaper reported that stun grenades were used to disperse crowds on a dark day in football.
AFPWHAT NEXT?
The stadium was eventually evacuated by police, with a new date for the contest not yet known at this time. Atletico Nacional are next in action on Sunday at home to Boyaca Chico FC.
