Independiente Medellín-COL apologized to Flamengo fans for the confusion caused by the fans themselves on Thursday night (7), during the match valid for the fourth round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. The game lasted just two minutes and ended up being canceled due to a lack of security at the Atanásio Girardot stadium.
In Medellín, Colombian fans threw objects and fireworks towards the pitch. Afterwards, the protective fences were torn down and some fans even invaded the pitch, but were contained by the police.
The ESPN reporting team reported that they exploded near the press present. Referee Jesús Valenzuela (VEN) stopped the game after a minute of the ball rolling, and the teams returned to the dressing rooms shortly afterwards.
After approximately 1h15 of stoppage, the match between Independiente Medellín and Flamengo due to lack of security.
See the note from Independiente Medellín in its entirety
“In light of the events that occurred last Thursday during the international game against Flamengo in the Conmebol Libertadores, Time do Povo informs public opinion that:
- Understands the fans’ frustration and respects their opinions, as long as they are expressed with respect and within the framework of healthy coexistence;
- Thanks to the fans who calmly accepted the evacuation of the stadium and their good behavior despite their non-conformities;
- Offers apologies to the fans in general, to the Flamengo fans, highlighting their behavior, as well as that of their players and managers;
- Regrets that an international sporting celebration was affected by behavior that goes against the spirit of football;
- Categorically rejects acts of vandalism and damage to the Antanasio Girardot Stadium facilities, behavior that does not represent the institution’s fans;
- It will initiate the corresponding investigations alongside the competent authorities to clarify what happened and identify those responsible;
- The People’s Team invites you to act responsibly, remembering that these types of situations do not only affect individuals, but the institution, the city and the football spectacle in general.
- Finally, the institution informs that in the next few days it will make known the decisions it will adopt regarding the current situation of Deportivo Independiente Medellín.”
