Violent clash between police and fans force match abandonment
By BBC, April 20, 2026Violent clashes between fans and police caused the abandonment of a match between the top two sides in Paraguay on Sunday.
Hundreds of spectators escaped onto the pitch as police fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands at the Superclasico, played between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno, both based in the capital city, Asuncion.
According to witnesses, the trouble began when firecrackers were detonated in the section of the Defensores del Chaco Stadium that was allocated to Cerro Porteno supporters.
The police detained around 100 people, and while it was not immediately clear whether any fans had been injured, security forces reported that at least six officers were hurt, with one in a serious condition.
Stab wounds
David Torales, a spokesperson for a local hospital, said the “officers sustained head injuries, lacerations, including possible stab wounds, and other injuries”.
“Police officers acted immediately to ensure the safety of those in attendance,” read a statement issued by local police which added that they are working to “identify those who instigated the conflict so that they may be sanctioned and barred from attending future sporting events”.
Six points separate league leaders Olimpia and second-placed Cerro Porteño—who won the Torneo Clausura in 2025—at the head of Paraguay’s top flight, the Division de Honor.
The Paraguay Football Association (APF) rules state that a game must be forfeited by the side whose supporters forced a suspension.
Olimpia president Rodrio Nogues said the club will seek three points from the APF disciplinary tribunal, while Cerro Porteno president Blas Reguera claims that Olimpia as hosts, was responsible for stadium security.
The foregoing comes after a similar violent incident marred a clash in Brazil pitting Cruzeiro and Atletico Mineiro in Belo Horizonte on March 9, 2026.
The clash players engage in a mass brawl during the Campeonato Mineiro final. The incident resulted in the dismissal of 23 players, including Atletico’s former Brazil forward Hulk, being sent off retrospectively.
The mass confrontation began when Atletico goalkeeper Everson pushed Christian to the ground and planted his knee on the chest of the Cruzeiro midfielder, who had collided with him while chasing a loose ball.