A Copa Libertadores match between Colombia's Independiente Medellín and Brazil's Flamengo was called off on Thursday after just three minutes, following a fan protest that saw flares and objects thrown onto the pitch. The incident occurred at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellín, where supporters of the Colombian side staged an organised demonstration against the club's management after a poor run of results.
Referee Jesús Valenzuela halted play immediately and ordered both teams to the locker rooms as security forces intervened. The match, part of Group A of the Copa Libertadores, remained goalless at the time of suspension. More than an hour later, CONMEBOL officially cancelled the fixture.
According to CONMEBOL's disciplinary code, if a team is deemed responsible for the abandonment, the match is awarded 3-0 to the non-offending side, meaning Flamengo will likely be given the win. Flamengo currently lead Group A with seven points, one ahead of Estudiantes de La Plata, while Medellín sit third with four points.
During the delay, Flamengo player Jorginho posted on X: 'We're fine and waiting here,' alongside a photo of teammates in the locker room. The protest was reportedly sparked by Medellín's elimination from the Colombian league after finishing 11th.
