Around 50 people were injured and over 60 arrested after violent clashes forced the suspension of a major Paraguayan football derby.
AROUND 50 people were injured and over 60 were arrested following violent riots that forced the suspension of a major Paraguayan football derby.
The match between archrivals Olimpia and Cerro Porteno was halted by the referee after just 29 minutes of play on Sunday.
Police reported that a group of Cerro Porteno fans, some arriving late and without tickets, forced their way into the stadium.
“Once in the stands, the fans began throwing rocks and bottles filled with water or urine,” capital police chief Hector Fernandez told a press conference.
Officers responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, as shown in television footage.
This prompted hundreds of spectators to flee onto the pitch while smoke engulfed portions of the stadium.
A 22-year-old police officer suffered a broken nose and other facial injuries requiring surgery, according to hospital director David Torales.
Video of the attack on the officer circulated widely on social media.
Security forces confirmed at least six officers were injured in total.
Most of those treated in hospital sustained only minor injuries, according to medics.
The match was played before 40,000 spectators with Olimpia leading the division just ahead of Cerro Porteno.
Police stated they are working to “identify those who instigated the conflict so that they may be sanctioned and barred from attending future sporting events.”
The Paraguayan Football Association rules that a team forfeits a match if its supporters cause a suspension.
Olimpia President Rodrigo Nogues said his club will seek to be awarded the three points by the disciplinary tribunal.
Cerro Porteno President Blas Reguera countered that Olimpia was responsible for stadium security as the match’s organising club.
