Last Wednesday night's Copa Sudamericana in Avellaneda left a worrying aftermath. The serious incidents between Independiente fans and Universidad de Chile fans resulted in the closure of the Libertadores de América-Ricardo Bochini stadium and in a judicial case that is progressing with serious allegations.
Prosecutor Mariano Zitto, who is in charge of the investigation, indicated that the lack of prevention was key in the escalation of violence. "The Chilean supporters had already broken cameras, stairs, and the buffet. That should have raised an alert before the match started," he explained in a conversation with DSports Radio.
Antes de empezar el partido ya habían problemas
Zitto added that the situation got completely out of control: "We've received hundreds of videos from different social networks showing what happened and, without a doubt, it could have been worse. A minority overshadows what should be a family event."
Regarding the progress of the case, the prosecutor chose to be cautious: "There's no definite timeline, I wish it were something immediate but it takes time. If there were masterminds, I have no doubt they'll have to answer just like the material perpetrators. The idea is to reach everyone we can identify."
Zitto pidió identificar a los responsables de la violencia
The judicial official also revealed that there is already an investigation for attempted homicide in some cases. "Given what we've seen, I'm grateful there were no fatalities. For now, those are the charges," he stated.
Finally, he explained the reason for the closure of the stadium: "It arose from the images and from how the lack of coordination between private security and the Police outside unfolded. All those responsible for security must agree on how to act in the future at this stadium."
