Paraguayan authorities suspended Sunday’s football match between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño after clashes broke out between Cerro Porteño fans and police at Asunción’s Defensores del Chaco Stadium, resulting in several injuries.
According to witnesses, the violence erupted when high-powered firecrackers, smuggled into the section reserved for Cerro Porteño supporters, were set off. One witness described how some fans seized a police officer’s riot shield and held it aloft before the crowd.
Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, prompting hundreds of spectators to rush onto the pitch. Television footage captured plumes of smoke filling parts of the stadium.
The match, attended by roughly 40,000 fans, was abandoned after 29 minutes of play. Authorities reported detaining around 100 people in the aftermath. Police stated they acted immediately to protect those present.
At least six officers were injured, with one in serious condition, and were taken to hospital, according to security officials. Hospital spokesperson David Torales said the officers suffered head wounds, lacerations, possible stab wounds, and other injuries. It was unclear whether any fans were hurt.
Police said efforts were underway to identify those responsible for inciting the violence, with the aim of imposing sanctions and banning them from future matches.
The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) rules stipulate that a team must forfeit a match if its supporters cause a suspension. Olimpia President Rodrigo Nogues said the club would ask the APF disciplinary tribunal to award them the three points. Cerro Porteño President Blas Reguera, however, argued that Olimpia, as the organizing club, bore responsibility for stadium security.
Olimpia currently leads the Paraguayan top division, with Cerro Porteño in second place.
