A Copa Libertadores match between Colombia’s Independiente Medellin and Brazilian giants Flamengo was dramatically suspended after just three minutes in the early hours of Friday morning.
That game was halted shortly after kick off at the Atanasio Girardot stadium when fans of the Colombian side began to light flares and throw objects onto the pitch.
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However, as the incidents began to spiral out of control, referee Jesus Valenzuela ordered both sets of players off the field of play and down the tunnel.
Security forces were then deployed as officials tried their best to manage the situation.
The unsavoury scenes unfurled as part of a reported protest by Independiente Medellin fans against the club’s owners and management owing to the club’s poor form.
A sub-par run of results has seen the Colombian side drop to 11th in Liga DIMAYOR table.
And an hour after the match was suspended, the official governing body of South American football, CONMEBOL, called the match, which was goalless at the time, off.
Flamengo director of football Jose Boto expects his side to be awarded all three points after the Copa Libertadores clash was abandoned.
“The responsibility is not ours, the regulations are clear. The home team failed to guarantee security,” he said in a video posted to Flamengo’s official social media account.
The CONMEBOL Disciplinary Code states that when a team is deemed responsible for suspension, cancellation or abandonment of a match, then the non-offending team will be handed an automatic 3-0 win.
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In such a case, defending Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo will extend their lead at the top of Group A.
The Brasileirao side, who can call upon former Premier League stars Lucas Paqueta, Jorginho, Emerson Royal and Danilo, would move four points clear of Argentine outfit Estudiantes.
Independiente Medellin, meanwhile, remain third in the four-team group on four points, with their only victory coming against Peruvian side Cusco FC.
Flamengo midfielder Jorginho took to X during the suspension to post a picture in the away dressing room with a number of teammates with the accompanying caption: “We’re doing well and waiting right here!”
It’s the latest incident involving South American football that has gained worldwide attention.
The Campeonato Mineiro final between Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro in March culminated in a mass brawl and an astonishing 23 red cards.
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Former FC Porto and Zenit striker Hulk was among those involved in the melee following Cruzeiro’s 1-0 win over Atletico Mineiro earlier this year.
“It’s regrettable, I have never seen violence like that in any football game,” Atletico forward Hulk told local media after the clashes.
“We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world.
“We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution.”
