August 29 – Santos’ Copa Libertadores game against Independiente was abandoned when police clashed with angry fans, who had been informed hours before kick-off that the first leg had been awarded 3-0 to the Argentine club.
The Brazilian fans threw fireworks at the Independiente bench and attempted a pitch invasion. Santos coach Cuca was caught up in the confusion, as the referee was forced to abandon the game with just minutes left to play in a scoreless game. Independiente now progress to the quarter-finals of South America’s prime club competition.
The dispute arose from the first leg where Santos were adjudged to have used an ineligible player and CONMEBOL handed the first leg to Independiente 3-0. However, the news was only broken to the clubs and media 12 hours before the kick-off of the return leg, leaving Santos and its fan base furious at the prospect of a game with little chance of overturning the result.
CONMEBOL stated that he player, Uruguay international Carlos Sanchez, hadn’t served the entirety of a ban handed out in 2015 when he played for River Plate.
Santos however disagreed and argued that they had fielded Sanchez after CONMEBOL’s own online system showed the player had no outstanding bans.
The game was staged at Sao Paulo’s Pacaembu stadium and towards the end of the game, a stalemate, emotions of the home fans boiled over when they pelted missiles towards the visiting bench. Police intervened to prevent fans from storming the pitch. As a few breached the perimeter, police used grenades to keep the fans at bay. The referee halted the game to bring a confusing day to an end.
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