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At least 50 people were injured and more than 60 arrested in Paraguay after violent clashes led to the suspension of a football match between rivals Olimpia and Cerro Porteno, police said on Monday.
Authorities said the Sunday match in Asunción was halted after 29 minutes when disorder broke out following the late arrival of a group of Cerro Porteno supporters, some of whom reportedly entered the stadium without tickets.
The capital’s police chief, Hector Fernandez, said the fans began throwing stones and bottles believed to contain water or urine after gaining access to the stands.
Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, causing panic among spectators who fled onto the pitch as smoke spread through parts of the stadium, according to televised footage.
A 22-year-old police officer sustained a broken nose and facial injuries requiring surgery, while at least six officers were confirmed injured, according to David Torales, director of the Rigoberto Caballero Police Hospital.
Medical personnel said most of those treated had only minor injuries.
Security officials stated that efforts were ongoing to identify those responsible for instigating the violence so they could face sanctions and potential bans from future sporting events.
The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) maintains that a team must forfeit a match if its supporters cause a suspension, while Olimpia’s president said the club would seek to be awarded the three points from the APF disciplinary tribunal.
Cerro Porteno President Blas Reguera, however, argued that responsibility for stadium security rested with Olimpia as the host club.
