MEDELLIN'S mayor, Federico Gutierrez, said there would be consequences for anyone who went to Wednesday's Colombia Cup final and caused violence, after 59 people were hurt, including seven police officers, during fights between opposing fans.
Image/AFPTV
The violence happened after Atletico Nacional beat Medellin's rival, Deportivo Independiente Medellin, 1-0 in the second match of the Copa Colombia final at Estadio Atanasio Girardot.
Local police commander William Castano told news channel Teleantioquia that officers found weapons, flares, and fireworks with fans during stadium checks.
He explained, "It was necessary to use force in a step-by-step way to stop fans from taking over the pitch, control public order issues, and make sure everyone attending the event stays safe."
On social media, Mayor Gutierrez said most fans at the stadium came to watch the game, but a group of "misfits" wanted to start trouble.
He wrote, "Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy, or scare people will be held responsible under the law.
We won’t let a few people damage what belongs to everyone."
He also said, "For years, we've been a shining example of peaceful football in our country and across Latin America. "What a disappointment," he added.