The mayor of MedellinFederico Gutiérrez, has declared that there will be consequences for those who attended the final of the Colombia Cup on Wednesday for “generating violence,” after 59 people were injured, including seven police officers, in clashes between rival fans. Violence erupted after Atlético Nacional defeated Medellin rival Deportivo Independiente 1-0 in the second leg of the Colombia Cup final at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium.
Clashes in the stands of the Medellín stadium
Local police commander William Castaño told the Teleantioquia news channel that officers had seized weapons, flares and fireworks from fans during checks at the stadium. “It was necessary to apply the gradual use of force to help prevent the occupation of the field by fans, control outbreaks of public order disruption and guarantee the safety of citizens attending the event,” added Castaño.
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Mayor Gutiérrez stated on social media that the majority of fans in the stadium were there to watch soccer, but that a group of “misfits” intended to commit violent acts. “Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy or incite fear will answer to the law. We will not allow a few to damage what belongs to everyone,” he wrote. “For years we have been a benchmark for peaceful football in our country and throughout Latin America. What a disappointment.”
