Independiente Medellín apologise to Flamengo fans after stadium disorder | OneFootball

Independiente Medellín apologised to Flamengo supporters after disorder by the Colombian side’s fans led to their Copa Libertadores match in Medellín being abandoned after two minutes because of a lack of security.

The club said in a statement that it understood supporters’ anger but protests must be respectful, and it rejected vandalism at the Atanásio Girardot. It announced an internal probe with authorities and said decisions would be communicated in the coming days.

It also apologised to Flamengo’s travelling support, highlighting the good behaviour of their fans, players and officials. The club thanked those who complied with evacuation orders. It added that such incidents harm the institution, the city and the spectacle of football.

Unrest followed poor recent results and anger at a club official who had provoked fans at the previous league match. Organised groups had vowed to protest at this game, but trouble escalated before kick-off as objects and fireworks were thrown towards the pitch.

With disorder continuing after the start, the referee stopped play after two minutes and sent both teams to the dressing rooms. After more than an hour, Conmebol cancelled the match.

Flamengo have returned to Brazil and travelled on to Porto Alegre to face Grêmio on Sunday in the Campeonato Brasileiro. They await Conmebol’s decision on the official result and expect to be awarded a walkover, which would confirm last-16 qualification with two rounds to spare.

Source: Globo.com