The scandal at Libertadores de América due to the serious incidents between fans of Independiente and Universidad de Chile resulted in more than 19 injured and several detained: it opened the door to a severe sanction from CONMEBOL. The organization has already reported that the match was "canceled" due to "lack of security guarantees from the home club and local authorities," and the case has been referred to the Disciplinary Committee.
The immediate precedent is concerning, since in April, Colo Colo received an exemplary sanction after similar incidents in Copa Libertadores. Colo Colo lost the match 0-3, received a financial penalty, and had to play five home matches without spectators. This is a scenario that is also projected for Independiente.
CONMEBOL sources emphasized that "security during the match is always the responsibility of the home club." This reinforces the hypothesis that Rojo will receive the harshest sanction, regardless of the fact that the disturbances began in the visiting section.
Despite this, Avellaneda officials sought to distance themselves from blame. "I believe that a sanction clearly applies to the Chilean club and that Independiente should be released from responsibility," stated president Néstor Grindetti. Meanwhile, General Secretary Daniel Seoane reported: "What the U de Chile fans just did is madness. They threw projectiles, chairs, and even toilets. We weren't prepared for this."
