Chaos in Paraguay: the classic between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño suspended due to violent incidents in the stands

While all eyes were on the Super Classic between River and Boca, another high-flying South American classic was being played. In Paraguay, Olimpia and Cerro Porteño were playing a match at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium that, unlike the match between the Argentine giants, ended in the worst possible way: several riots forced the duel to be suspended when only 29 minutes were played

in the first half.

The referee Juan Gabriel Benítez made the decision after the serious incidents that broke out in the North Stand, where the fans of Cerro Porteño were located. The conflict was caused by clashes between fanatics and the National Police, which tried to control the situation with rubber bullets and tear

gas.

The intervention generated scenes of desperation: many fans, affected by gases, suffered suffocation and sought refuge on the playing field due to the impossibility of evacuating through the exits. Some even managed to move to sectors occupied by Olympia supporters, where they received assistance in the midst of

chaos.

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The toll was at least a dozen injured, although medical reports brought the number to 16 people transferred to the Barrio Obrero Hospital.

Among the most delicate cases are a woman with a 35-week pregnancy affected by gas inhalation, and a 20-year-old boy treated for a possible gunshot wound. Authorities also confirmed injuries among police officers

.

Amid the tension, there were new crosses between fans of both teams in the stalls sector, with an exchange of projectiles, which further aggravated the situation. Even a group of supporters went so far as to snatch a police shield and display it, in a clear sign

of the generalized overflow.

The soccer players from Cerro Porteño tried to collaborate by throwing water bottles into the stands to alleviate the effects of the gas, while medical personnel, firefighters and ambulances worked to assist those affected

. In

the absence of security guarantees, the director of competitions of the Paraguayan Football Association (APF), Michel Sánchez, confirmed the definitive suspension: “The match is suspended. There are no minimum guarantees to continue.” On the other hand, according to the report presented by the National Police, there were a total of 56 injured, including 11 police officers, and 63 arrested.

The match, which was 0-0 at the time of the suspension, was left unfinished and now the Disciplinary Court will be responsible for determining how the situation will continue.