Trouble broke out at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot moments after Atlético Nacional secured a 1-0 victory over city rivals Deportivo Independiente Medellín in Wednesday evening’s second leg.
Supporters from both sides poured onto the pitch after the final whistle, some carrying flares and fireworks, prompting riot police to intervene to restore order. Seven police officers were among the injured.
The derby has an extra dimension as both clubs share the stadium and tensions have been building all night. According to the local newspaper El Colombiano, the damage left behind was extensive. Seats and turnstiles were torn out and parts of the playing surface were burned.
The match had gotten off to an awkward start after a 14-minute delay in kick-off after smoke from fireworks reduced visibility in the stands.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez condemned the violence and said those responsible would face the consequences.
“Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy or incite fear will be held accountable according to the law. We will not allow a few to damage what belongs to all,” he said.
“For years we have been a beacon of peaceful football in our country and throughout Latin America.”
Police Commander William Castaño said officers seized a significant amount of prohibited material before and during the match.
“We seized weapons, flares and fireworks, including more than 120 kilos of pyrotechnic material,” he told Teleantioquia.
“It was necessary to apply the gradual use of force to prevent the field from being occupied, to keep public order under control and to guarantee the safety of those present.”
Medellín’s Minister of Security, Manuel Villa, stressed that the problem was more about the behavior of fans than planning.
“Security did not fail here; what failed was the behavior of those who chose violence,” he said.
Away fans are usually banned from major matches in Colombia due to the risk of disorder. For this final, the authorities had allowed fans of both clubs to attend in an effort to promote coexistence. Instead, the night ended with injuries and vandalism.
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