Violent clashes between rival supporters and police led to the dramatic abandonment of Paraguay's most anticipated football derby on Sunday, with authorities firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands as hundreds of spectators fled onto the pitch.
Chaos erupted at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción during the Superclásico match between league leaders Olimpia and second-placed Cerro Porteño. According to eyewitness accounts, the trouble began when firecrackers were detonated in the section allocated to Cerro Porteño supporters, sparking violent confrontations.
Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas, leading to the match being abandoned after just 29 minutes with the score tied at 0-0. Approximately 100 people were detained in the aftermath, while security forces reported at least six officers injured—one in serious condition.
"Police officers acted immediately to ensure the safety of those in attendance," stated local authorities, adding that they are working to "identify those who instigated the conflict so that they may be sanctioned and barred from attending future sporting events."
Hospital spokesperson David Torales confirmed that injured officers sustained "head injuries, lacerations, including possible stab wounds, and other injuries." While it remains unclear whether any fans were harmed, one witness described a surreal scene where a supporter allegedly stole a police riot shield and "paraded it like a trophy" before the crowds.
The incident has sparked immediate controversy between the rival clubs. Olimpia president Rodrigo Nogues announced the club will seek three points from the Paraguay Football Association (APF) disciplinary tribunal, citing rules that require a game to be forfeited by the side whose supporters force a suspension. Cerro Porteño president Blas Reguera countered that Olimpia, as hosts, bore responsibility for stadium security.
With just six points separating the two teams at the top of Paraguay's Division de Honor, the abandoned match could have significant implications for the championship race. The incident marks another troubling chapter in South American football, where high-stakes derbies have occasionally descended into violence despite increased security measures.