SOCCER: Police say 59 injured after fans riot at Colombian cup final

Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez warned that those who attended Wednesday’s Copa Colombia final with the intention of inciting violence would face legal consequences, after clashes between rival fans left at least 59 people injured, including seven police officers.

Violence erupted following Atlético Nacional’s 1–0 victory over city rivals Deportivo Independiente Medellín in the second leg of the Copa Colombia final at the Estadio Atanasio Girardot.

Local police commander William Castaño told news channel Teleantioquia that authorities seized weapons, flares, and fireworks from supporters during security checks at the stadium.

“It was necessary to apply a graduated use of force to prevent fans from invading the pitch, to control outbreaks of public disorder, and to ensure the safety of citizens attending the event,” Castaño said.

Mayor Gutiérrez said on social media that while most fans came to enjoy the match, a small group went to the stadium with violent intentions.

“Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy, or instill fear will be held accountable under the law. We will not allow a few individuals to damage what belongs to everyone,” he wrote.

He added that Medellín has long been recognized for promoting peaceful football both nationally and across Latin America.

“For years, we have been a beacon of peaceful football in our country and throughout Latin America,” Gutiérrez said. “What a disappointment.” -Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters