Chile Suspends Universidad de Chile vs. Colo Colo Clash Due to Security Concerns

The Chilean government has called off the highly anticipated derby after recent violent events at the Monumental Stadium and out of respect for the victims’ families.

Government steps in after tragic incidents

Chile’s Minister of Security, Luis Cordero, announced on Friday the suspension of the match between Universidad de Chile and Colo Colo, originally scheduled for Sunday at the Estadio Nacional. The decision follows violent incidents on Thursday during the Copa Libertadores game between Colo Colo and Fortaleza, which was halted in the 72nd minute after fans stormed the pitch.

AME8108. SANTIAGO (CHILE), 10/04/2025.- Aficionados de Colo Colo invaden el campo de juego después de la muerte de dos hinchas asfixiados por una avalancha tras una carga policial este jueves, en un partido de la fase de grupos de la Copa Libertadores entre Colo Colo y Fortaleza en el estadio Monumental David Arellano, en Santiago (Chile). EFE/ Osvaldo Villarroel

The derby was part of Matchday 7 in the local tournament. Although authorities initially approved the match, they later requested a new risk assessment from Carabineros, Chile’s national police. The result of that evaluation led to the suspension.

“The conclusions of the report, which the executive finds appropriate and shares, is that Sunday’s match cannot take place,” said Cordero. He also stated that the regional delegate for Santiago had been instructed to notify the organizers of the cancellation.

A tribute and a message of respect

The minister emphasized that the decision was also a symbolic gesture toward the victims of Thursday’s events and their families, as the funerals are set to take place on the same day. “The executive believes this is a matter of respect and consideration,” he added.

Before the announcement, Colo Colo’s squad canceled their scheduled training as a sign of mourning. Universidad de Chile also issued a statement expressing condolences to the families but criticized the suspension: “We feel this is a victory for those who use violence to stop football. They threatened and pressured to prevent this match, and sadly, they’ve won once again.”

Todo listo para la Fase de Grupos de la #Libertadores

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The Consequences of Colo-Colo vs Fortaleza

Local media reported that political authorities and both clubs were in favor of going ahead with the match. However, Carabineros objected, citing their involvement in the ongoing investigation into the deaths of two Colo Colo fans, aged 12 and 18, who were allegedly run over by an armored police vehicle during a fan stampede attempting to enter the stadium without tickets.

This marks the second major rivalry match postponed this year, after the Supercopa de Chile was also suspended in January for security reasons. The ANFP has yet to announce a new date for the derby between Chile’s two most popular clubs.