Overview
- The Copa Libertadores game between Independiente Medellín and Flamengo was abandoned after a 1-hour, 15-minute stoppage caused by violent protests from home supporters.
- Referee Jesús Valenzuela halted play in the third minute after attempted pitch invasions and sent both teams off the field while police intervened.
- Organized Medellín supporters removed protective barriers, hurled flares that struck members of the press, lit small fires, and displayed accusatory banners in the stands.
- The unrest followed anger over the club’s recent league elimination and a recommendation to play behind closed doors that was not implemented.
- CONMEBOL’s disciplinary committee will decide the outcome, and its rules allow a 3-0 award to the non-offending team if responsibility is confirmed, while Flamengo waited for formal cancellation to protect its legal position and players reported they were safe, with Jorginho posting a photo.