After a 1h15 stoppage, Thursday’s (7) Independiente MedellÃn vs Flamengo match at Atanasio Girardot was officially canceled following unrest involving the home team’s supporters.
Attention now turns to a decision by Conmebol’s Disciplinary Committee, which could result in a walkover win for the Brazilian club.
What happened
Tensions were already high even before kickoff because of the crisis the Colombian club is facing on and off the field.
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Including members of the press being hit by flares.
Members of DIM’s organized supporters groups created tense moments by removing and throwing the protective barriers that had been put in place precisely because protests were expected.
Referee Jesús Valenzuela stopped the match in the third minute after attempted pitch invasions and, shortly afterward, allowed players from both teams to leave the field.
Watch footage of the moment:
“Conmebol, betting house” and “They turned the field into a cemetery. Dead!” were some of the banners displayed.
There were even fires seen in the stands.
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There had even been a recommendation for the game to be played behind closed doors — which was not followed.
There has been heavy criticism of the club’s main investor and the group of players following elimination from the local league and the episodes that came afterward.
The match had initially been “only” temporarily suspended until the organized supporters were removed by police.
Conmebol’s protocol was followed to the letter and, as the minutes passed, the match was canceled.
Players safe and Flamengo upset
Jorginho posted a photo on his Instagram profile to reassure supporters and family members shortly after the players left the field.
According to journalist Diogo Dantas, from O Globo, Flamengo wanted the game canceled immediately. Which is what ended up happening.
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The Rubro-Negro was waiting for official confirmation before leaving the stadium.
The idea was to protect itself legally to avoid possible problems.
Check out images of the unrest
📸 JAIME SALDARRIAGA – AFP or licensors
📸 Vizzor Image – 2026 Getty Images
📸 JAIME SALDARRIAGA – AFP or licensors
📸 JAIME SALDARRIAGA – AFP or licensors
📸 JAIME SALDARRIAGA – AFP or licensors
📸 Vizzor Image – 2026 Getty Images
📸 Vizzor Image – 2026 Getty Images
Photo: ReproductionÂ
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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