Copa Libertadores match cancelled mid game as Independiente Medellin fans erupt in violent protest

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FT Desk

A Copa Libertadores fixture between Independiente Medellin and Flamengo was cancelled in the third minute on Thursday after violence erupted in the stands as fans from the Colombian side protested against the club's ownership.

Not long after play commenced, flares and objects were thrown onto the pitch and fans even entered the field of play, which forced the referee to take the players away while stewards and police attempted to reclaim order. Fifty minutes later, with no sign of calm, the match was officially abandoned by Conmebol.

The root of this intense unrest stems from a fractured relationship between the Medellin fanbase and the club’s leadership, specifically major shareholder Raul Giraldo. Supporters had reached a breaking point following the team’s recent elimination from the Colombian league playoffs after a 2-1 defeat by Rionegro Aguilas.

Post-match, Giraldo argued with supporters and, according to outlet El Tiempo, could be seen waving his hands in supposed victory on his way back to the changing room.

He then posted an apology to the fans and said he would be looking to step away from his official role with the club.

"I greet the Independiente Medellin fans," Giraldo's statement began.

"This message is to apologise for my bad behaviour in yesterday's match against Águilas. This is not my way of acting. I have always had respect for such a valuable crowd, they are my brothers, whom I have always taken care of.

"Since the beginning as a peasant in the Oriente Antioqueño (near region) I dreamed of being someone in Medellin, and I have been working for 12 years for this institution to move forward. A thousand apologies.

"For this reason, I will move away looking for someone with many ideas so that this institution is always great at the international level. A thousand apologies, and we will continue to follow this great Deportivo Independiente Medellin."

This toxic atmosphere culminated in the "blackout" protest during the Flamengo match, which fans viewed as a global stage to broadcast their demand for a total overhaul of the club's hierarchy.

Flamengo sporting director Jose Boto insisted after the match that the Brazilian side should be awarded all three points as Medellin had failed to provide the necessary security to ensure the game went ahead.

Article 24.2 of the Conmebol Disciplinary Code says that, when a club is considered "responsible for the definitive suspension, cancellation or abandonment of the match", any or disciplinary action will determine of the final score of the match.