A football match was suspended for nearly an hour after rival fans invaded the pitch and became involved in a mass brawl in front of thousands of spectators.
The chaos erupted during the Liga BetPlay clash between Independiente Santa Fe and América de Cali at El Campín stadium in Bogotá, Colombia, on Saturday (22 August).
The game was 0-0 when trouble broke out in the 33rd minute, with supporters from both sides seen fighting in the stands before the violence spilt onto the pitch.
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Footage shows dozens of fans running across the field as others clash in the stands, with some seen wielding sticks, chairs and other objects.
Police and Colombia’s Dialogue and Order Maintenance Unit (UNDMO) intervened to restore order, with officers using tear gas to disperse the supporters.
Players from both teams were sent to their dressing rooms while authorities assessed whether it was safe for the match to continue.
The confrontation reportedly began after members of América’s visiting supporters’ group attempted to steal a flag from a traditional Santa Fe supporters’ group.
The incident then escalated, with Santa Fe fans invading the pitch and running towards the northern section of the stadium, which had been designated for América supporters.
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América goalkeeper Jean Fernandes was also caught up in the chaos and claims he was struck while lying on the pitch, as reported by Whats The Jam.
The Brazilian was being treated by his team’s medical staff after going down during a play when a fan who had entered the field allegedly kicked a ball towards his head.
Fernandes later shared footage of the incident on social media, writing: “This is the moment when I am on the ground, and the fan who enters the pitch kicks my head.”
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He also criticised the decision to resume the match, saying: “It was disrespectful to make us carry on playing.
“They did nothing.”
América manager David González backed his goalkeeper’s complaint, saying: “They haven’t even talked about a fan assaulting our goalkeeper.”
“They’re trying to minimise it by saying it was with a ball. It’s inconceivable.”
According to Bogotá Government Secretary Gustavo Quintero, 17 people were affected in the violence, although none suffered serious injuries.
After around 50 minutes, authorities gave the green light for the match to resume, and it eventually finished 0-0.
Bogotá mayor Carlos Fernando Galán condemned the violence, saying: “There was a pitch invasion, clashes between fans and damage.”
A meeting of Bogotá’s District Football Commission is scheduled for today (24 August), when officials are expected to review the violence and consider possible sanctions and tighter security measures.
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