Flamengo match cancelled amid ugly protest
The Copa Libertadores match between Independiente Medellín and Flamengo was suspended after three minutes of play amid a violent protest from the home side's organised fan groups.
Supporters threw protective barriers that had been put in place in the expectation of protests.
Against the back drop of popping fire crackers and amid a haze of flare smoke, referee Jesus Valenzuela stopped the match after three minutes, as fans attempted to invade the pitch. Shortly afterward, the players from both teams were instructed to leave the field.
Some banners were unfurled with criticism: "Conmebol, betting house" and "They turned the field into a cemetery. Dead!".
The atmosphere was already highly tense prior to kick-off, with members of the press being hit by flares.
The Colombian club, which has recently seen the dismissal of its coach and the resignation of a high-ranking club official, is in the midst of a crisis on and off the pitch. There was even a recommendation for the match to be played behind closed doors.
Administrative instability within the club fuelled the tension among the crowd, resulting in the immediate intervention by match officials. Flamengo had traveled to the match with a mixed lineup that included midfielder Carrascal as a starter before the security breach occurred.
Police specifically surrounded the area where the organised supporters are.
