CONMEBOL Cancels Medellín–Flamengo Match After Fan Violence

Overview

• Referee Jesús Valenzuela halted the game about 1 minute 50 seconds into Thursday's Libertadores group match after flares, lasers and objects were launched from the stands, and CONMEBOL canceled it roughly 70 minutes later for lack of security.
• CONMEBOL said its judicial and disciplinary bodies will rule on responsibility under Article 24.2, which allows a 3-0 forfeit against the home team plus possible fines, games without fans or a stadium ban.
• Flamengo officials said players and staff were safe and the club expects to receive the three points, while coach Leonardo Jardim said the chaos forced a sleepless night for the traveling squad.
• ESPN Brasil’s crew reported being hit by fireworks, with a reporter’s backpack and a cameraman’s pants catching fire near the pitch-side media area.
• Local authorities reported nine detentions tied to the disturbances, and Independiente Medellín apologized to Flamengo’s supporters and announced an internal investigation into the incidents.