Horror as football match abandoned after machete-wielding hooligans spark brawl in stands and players are forced to flee
A FOOTBALL match in Colombia was suspended last night after a huge fight broke out in the stands, leaving at least 20 people injured.
The Prima A clash between Atletico Nacional and Atletico Junior descended into chaos in the second half as Marino Hinestroza made it 2-0 to the hosts.
Visiting fans allegedly jumped into the home section, sparking a huge brawl with Nacional supporters.
Players watched the horror scenes unfold before referee Nolberto Ararat officially paused the match.
They eventually rushed back to the dressing room when the fight spilled onto the pitch.
Some rioters could be seen wielding knives, sticks and machetes as the chaos escalated.
Desperate fans attempted to jump down to the lower stand to get away from the danger.
According to reports in Colombia, at least 20 people were injured with many taken to nearby medical centres.
Those who suffered injuries were taken down to the lower part of the Atanasio Girardot Stadium for treatment from the Red Cross.
Riot police were forced to intervene, but the brawl spilled onto the outskirts of the stadium.
According to regional newspaper El Heraldo, stun grenades were heard as police attempted to disperse the crowds.
The match was eventually abandoned after 55 minutes due to the violence.
Manuel Villa, Medellin’s Secretary of Security, later condemned the horrific violence.
He said: “Football should be a celebration of peace, and the culture of football is a collective commitment.
“But if someone doesn’t understand that, they have no place in this celebration: those masquerading as fans who create these situations and act outside the law are not fans, but criminals and should be treated as such. Irresponsible!
“There will be sanctions, and measures will be taken as necessary.”