The second-leg match between Independiente and Universidad de Chile, for the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, was unexpectedly suspended due to very violent clashes in the stands of the Argentine stadium. According to reports in Argentina, Universidad de Chile supporters began throwing objects toward the home fans’ section, causing damage to facilities and breaking seats.

Among the objects used in the attacks were stones, pieces of wood, and even entire toilets. These incidents forced the referee to halt the game in order to protect the safety of both players and spectators. After several minutes of police inaction, it was decided that the visiting fans had to leave their stands, but with about 30 of them still remaining, the home supporters managed to invade their section in an act of “revenge.”

In some videos, Independiente fans can be seen forcing Chilean supporters to take off their clothes (or violently stripping them themselves) before beating them with whatever “weapons” they had at hand. Many, left only in their underwear, ran toward the exit of the section trying to escape.

The authorities reported that the clashes left an unknown number of injured, many of them seriously. One Universidad fan reportedly fell from the second tier of the stadium after being pushed by Independiente supporters, while other reports mention three dead and one hospitalized in critical condition.

Independiente fans also attempted to break into Universidad’s locker room to attack the team, coaching staff, and delegation of the “Blues.”

Even the bus transporting the visiting delegation—from the hotel to the stadium and back—was attacked by Independiente supporters. It is noted that the riots are believed to have started when Chilean fans stole an Independiente flag. This incident sparked the first clashes and was the beginning of the chaos that unfolded during the match.

The local police arrested more than 300 Chilean supporters.