The Paraguayan Superclásico descended into chaos and violence, resulting in the match being suspended after clashes erupted between rival fans in the stands of Asunción, leaving both supporters and police injured.
Referee Juan Gabriel Benítez halted the game between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño after just 29 minutes at Defensores del Chaco Stadium on Sunday evening due to disturbances in the stands that led to hundreds of fans rushing onto the field as law enforcement deployed rubber bullets and tear gas.
Authorities reported that the unrest started outside the stadium moments before kickoff, attributing the incidents to late-arriving Cerro Porteño fans attempting to enter without tickets.
National Police Commander César Silguero confirmed that 11 police officers sustained injuries and 31 fans were arrested on various charges.
“Tonight is a tragic moment for Paraguayan football,” stated Cerro Porteño president Blas Reguera. “We strongly condemn all forms of violence, and in light of these events, we are committed to thoroughly investigating what went wrong with security. We must work to eliminate such incidents permanently.”
In response to the escalating violence, police employed rubber bullets and tear gas directed into the stands, causing panic among attendees who scrambled for safety.
TV footage revealed fans fleeing across the pitch while families sought shelter.
Francisco Ávalos, director of tactical operations, remarked that police actions adhered to established protocols, emphasizing that their measures were defensive rather than oppressive.