A Copa Libertadores match between Colombia’s Independiente Medellin and Brazil’s Flamengo in Medellin was abandoned on Thursday after home fans lit flares and threw objects onto the pitch shortly after kick-off.
The clock showed only three minutes before kick-off.
The teams were sent back to the changing rooms and the stadium was evacuated before the match was canceled by South American football governing body CONMEBOL.
Independiente Medellin and CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
According to Colombian media reports, Independiente Medellin fans protested against the club’s management amid a string of poor results.
Flamengo’s football director Jose Boto said the club, who are the defending Copa Libertadores champions, expected to get a win and three points under CONMEBOL rules.
«The responsibility does not lie with us, the rules are clear. The home team has not been able to guarantee safety,» Boto said in a video on Flamengo’s social media.
CONMEBOL’s disciplinary code states that when a team is deemed responsible for the suspension, cancellation or abandonment of a match, the match is awarded to the non-offending team, giving Flamengo a 3–0 win.
During the break, Flamengo player Jorginho posted a message on his
Flamengo, the current Copa Libertadores champions, leads Group A with seven points, one more than Estudiantes de La Plata. Medellín is third with four points.
(with input from agencies)
Published on May 8, 2026
