Surreal scenes in Colombia after the cup final won by Atlético Nacional against América de Cali. Following incidents in the stands, the players had to leave the stadium in an armored police vehicle. An exceptional safety device that…
The celebrations were cut short on Sunday evening after the second leg of the Colombian Cup final between Atlético Nacional and América de Cali. Despite a victory over both legs, the Atlético Nacional players had to leave the Pascual Guerrero stadium in Cali under heavy police protection following excesses at the end of the match. An evacuation made necessary by the climate of tension reigning around the meeting.
Invasion attempt and clashes
According to information reported by several local media, América de Cali supporters attempted to invade the pitch in the final moments of the game. Exasperated by the defeat of their team on their pitch, some fans did not hesitate to fight with the police positioned around the pitch. Violent clashes which left three police officers injured according to an initial assessment.
Despite attempts by stewards and security forces to contain the crowd, the situation continued to escalate after the final whistle. The clashes continued outside the sports venue, requiring the intervention of police reinforcements to secure the immediate surroundings of the stadium.
High security evacuation
Faced with these excesses, security officials had to take exceptional measures to allow Atlético Nacional players to leave the premises without incident. This is how the members of the victorious team were escorted to an armored police van on the lawn. A specially chartered vehicle to allow them to reach the airport in complete safety.
We have rarely seen such a scene on a football field. The players evacuated under police escort in a van, it’s unheard of!
A journalist present on site
If the images of this unconventional evacuation quickly made the rounds on social networks, arousing the amazement of observers, most of the players concerned seemed to take the situation with a smile. Certain videos posted on social networks show several elements of the workforce joking in the armored van, visibly amused by this extraordinary security system.
A worrying assessment
Although the exact results of these incidents have yet to be established, this new outbreak of violence in Colombian football is striking. Regularly singled out for the behavior of certain factions of supporters, the country is still struggling to stem the phenomenon despite the measures taken by the authorities.
While waiting for calm to return, the Colombian football federation has firmly condemned these excesses and should meet quickly to study possible sanctions. A firm response is expected to prevent such scenes from recurring in the future and further tarnishing the image of Colombian football.
The Atlético Nacional finally sacred
This heated epilogue should not, however, make us forget the essential: the coronation of Atlético Nacional in this Colombian Cup. Winner 3-1 in the first leg, the Medellín club managed to manage their advantage in the return to win a new trophy. An expected victory for a team that has dominated Colombian football in recent years.
Paulo Autuori’s men will now be able to enjoy this new title, once the tension has subsided. But this evening of jubilation will undoubtedly be remembered by this incredible evacuation. A cruel epilogue to a match which promised a great celebration of football.
