Independiente fans scale the perimeter fences as violence mars their Copa Sudamericana clash with Universidad de Chile.

Violent clashes forced an abandonment to the second leg of September’s continental tie in Buenos Aires, with Independiente branding their subsequent disqualification a ‘political decision’ from governing body CONMEBOL. The incident left 22 people injured and over 100 arrested, as clashes broke out between rival supporters.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has weighed in, pointing to the ‘evident irresponsibility’ of CONMEBOL to house visiting supporters in the upper tier of a stand containing home supporters. Heavy punishments were meted out to both clubs with seven home matches forced to be played behind closed doors in continental competition, no away fans for the same number of fixtures, and a $250,000 fine apiece.

Independiente have lodged an appeal against their disqualification from the competition.