Paraguay Superclásico called off due to fan violence

The Paraguayan Superclásico concluded in disorder and violence, leading to its suspension after rival fans clashed in the stands in Asunción, resulting in injuries to both supporters and police officers.

Referee Juan Gabriel Benítez halted the match between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño after 29 minutes at Defensores del Chaco Stadium on Sunday night due to disturbances in one section, followed by a surge of fans onto the pitch as law enforcement deployed rubber bullets and tear gas.

Authorities indicated that the unrest began outside the stadium shortly before the match, attributing the cause to late-arriving Cerro Porteño fans attempting to enter without tickets.

National Police Commander César Silguero reported that 11 police officers sustained injuries and 31 fans were detained on various charges.

“This is a regrettable evening for Paraguayan football,” stated Cerro Porteño president Blas Reguera.

“We denounce all forms of violence, and in light of these events, we aim to thoroughly investigate what went wrong regarding security. It is essential to eliminate such incidents permanently.”

In response to the escalating violence, police utilized rubber bullets and tear gas aimed directly at the stands, inciting panic among the audience, who sought shelter wherever possible.

Television footage captured fans sprinting across the field and families attempting to shield themselves.

Francisco Ávalos, director of tactical operations, noted that the police acted according to established protocols, emphasizing that the officers engaged in defensive rather than repressive measures.