(Updates DT2032 with more data from the Paraguayan Prosecutor’s Office and Police)
Sports editorial, Jan 30 (EFE).- The Defensores del Chaco stadium was the scene of a new chapter of violence in the stands, when the match between Cerro Porteño and 2 de Mayo had to be stopped a quarter of an hour into the match. second half due to a serious fight between the ‘Ciclón’ fans in the north stands.
The referee of the match had no choice but to suspend the match with the score 0-0, when the members of both groups of fans began to throw objects at each other and attack each other in a massive manner in a true pitched battle.
The prosecutor in charge of the case, Patricia Sánchez, confirmed to EFE that so far there have been no arrests or prosecutions.
“I ordered investigative procedures with the security cameras” to find those responsible, the official explained.
Commissioner Milcíades Candia reported in the local media ABC Color that there were no arrests because the law enforcement officers prioritized the safeguarding of the fans, especially the children, and that the Prosecutor’s Office will be in charge of identifying the ringleaders “later.”
While numerous followers got into the fight, many others, in their attempt to escape the fray, had to jump over the fences to leave the area and not be injured. Even some local players climbed onto the protections to try to calm the situation, including using a water hose towards those responsible.
Cerro Porteño issued a statement in which it expressed “its total repudiation and energetic condemnation of the unfortunate events caused by the organized bars ‘La Plaza’ and ‘Comando’, which it immediately prohibits from entering the club headquarters.” and to the games played at home.
Likewise, it announced that it will take immediate action to identify those involved in the incidents and expel them as members if they have such a condition, as well as prohibit their entry for life. Furthermore, it specifies that it will collaborate and urge the competent authorities to persecute and punish said fans.
Cerro Porteño, on the other hand, apologized to the families who came to the stadium and “could not enjoy a night that was supposed to be one of unity, encouragement and celebration” for the fans.
Its leaders and players were united in condemning the events. The Argentine Juan Manuel Iturbe, for example, assured on his social networks that “more than a SHAME, everything that happened is sad” and that “they killed football and the Real People are not to blame. IT IS A SHAME.”
The Paraguayan Football Association (APF), for its part, specified in another statement that the case remains in the hands of the Disciplinary Court to make a resolution on what happens regarding the match, the last of the third day of the Apertura Tournament. EFE
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