Independiente Medellin Vs Flamengo, Copa Libertadores 2026: Fan Protests Force Match Cancellation
The Copa Libertadores 2026 Group A fixture between Independiente Medellin and Flamengo at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium was called off after just three minutes on Thursday due to fan protests in the stands. In the fourth minute of play, the DIM supporters launched flares, pyrotechnics, and objects onto the pitch in protest against the team's poor performance in the domestic league. This resulted in heavy smoke and poor visibility. Some supporters also attempted to invade the pitch, forcing referee Jesus Valenzuela to halt the match. After an hour, CONMEBOL confirmed that the match had been cancelled. It remains to be seen if the match will be replayed later or if Flamengo are declared the winner.
Players of Colombia's Independiente Medellin and Brazil's Flamengo stand on the field after the match was temporarily suspended because of crowd trouble during a Copa Libertadores Group A soccer match in Medellin, Colombia. | Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara
Fans of Colombia's Independiente Medellin shine laser pointers toward the field as the match against Brazil's Flamengo was temporarily suspended because of crowd trouble during a Copa Libertadores Group A soccer match in Medellin, Colombia. | Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara
Fans of Colombia's Independiente Medellin cheer and light flares as they wait for the start of a Copa Libertadores Group A soccer match between Independiente Medellinin and Brazil's Flamengo in Medellin, Colombia. | Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara
Fans of Colombia's Independiente Medellin cheer and light flares during a Copa Libertadores Group A soccer match between Independiente Medellinin and Brazil's Flamengo in Medellin, Colombia. | Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara
Fans of Colombia's Independiente Medellin stand in the grandstands after the match against Brazil's Flamengo was temporarily suspended because of crowd trouble during a Copa Libertadores Group A soccer match in Medellin, Colombia. | Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara
Fans of Colombia's Independiente Medellin shine laser pointers toward the field as the match against Brazil's Flamengo was temporarily suspended because of crowd trouble during a Copa Libertadores Group A soccer match in Medellin, Colombia. | Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara
Fans of Colombia's Independiente Medellin cheer and light flares during a Copa Libertadores Group A soccer match between Independiente Medellinin and Brazil's Flamengo in Medellin, Colombia. | Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara
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