CONMEBOL cancels Independiente Medellín v Flamengo over lack of security guarantees | OneFootball

CONMEBOL said in a statement that the Independiente Medellín v Flamengo Libertadores group match in Colombia was cancelled due to a lack of security guarantees, adding the case will be referred to its judicial bodies.

The Colombian side had faced mounting unrest, with boos before kick-off and masked members of organised groups in black. As the ball was about to roll, bombs and flares were launched towards the pitch, and a small fire broke out in the Atanasio Girardot stands. The protest had been openly arranged on social media.

Less than two minutes into play, home supporters invaded the pitch. Anticipating tensions, organisers had installed fencing around the touchline, and some barriers were later hurled after the breach.

On the referee’s instruction, both teams left the field with a little over five minutes played. The competition regulations set a prudent waiting time of 45 minutes, which was surpassed. During the temporary suspension, the stadium PA urged fans to leave.

After an initial suspension and PA announcements, a final call came more than an hour after the scheduled start. Reports on incidents inside and outside the ground will be sent to CONMEBOL’s Disciplinary Commission.

Under Article 24.2 of the CONMEBOL Disciplinary Code, if a team is deemed responsible for a permanent suspension, cancellation or abandonment, the result is set by walkover, in football 3-0 to the opponent.

Source: Globo.com