April 11 – Two football fans have died following a confrontation between fans and police before Chilean club Colo Colo’s game against Brazil’s Fortaleza in the Copa Libertadores.
The deaths occurred after fighting erupted when the police blocked about 100 fans as they tried to enter the Monumental Stadium in Santiago. “What is known is that one of the fences crushed these two and an investigation is under way into whether a police car was involved in the death,” said local prosecutor Francisco Morales.
Local media have reported that the victims were aged 13 and 18.
Morales said: “A stampede occurred, causing a fence to fall, and an investigation is currently underway to determine whether a police car was ultimately involved in the death.”
“At the moment, what is known is that one of the bars crushed these two young men with a greater weight, a weight that could be attributable to different causes, and all of them are being investigated as possible working hypotheses to determine the final cause of these young men’s death.”
Police general Alex Bahamondes said a police officer had been charged in the case and that “statements are being taken regarding the events”.
The group match in the Copa Libertadores was suspended 70 minutes after play had started after more crowd trouble.
South American football’s governing body Conmebol said it “deeply regrets the death of two fans near the Monumental Stadium”. In a statement, Conmebol offered “deepest condolences to their families and loved ones”, saying “all information regarding the events that occurred inside and outside the stadium” will be sent to its disciplinary committee.
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