Argentine football club Independiente announced on Monday that it has banned 25 club members (known in Argentina as socios) following the brawl that led to two Universidad de Chile fans being hospitalized.

The club confirmed that they have been working alongside the Buenos Aires Province Agency for the Prevention of Violence in Sport in order to identify those involved in the riot.

“We’ve identified 25 of the criminals who participated in the violent events that took place in our stadium during last Wednesday’s match,” read the communiqué released by the club. It adds that security forces are working to apprehend those responsible and that the club will “collaborate in whatever way necessary to ensure that everyone of them receive the appropriate sanctions.”

“They will be immediately expelled as members, and we will request that they be banned for life so that they never set foot on a football field again,” the club points out in their statement.

The announcement went on to add the board is committed to identifying everyone involved so that the Libertadores de América – Ricardo Enrique Bochini stadium and other club facilities remain “spaces for meeting, coexistence, and respect.”

What happened during Independiente’s match with Universidad de Chile

Independiente was facing Universidad de Chile for the Copa Sudamericana’s round of 16. Following a narrow 1-0 win by the Chilean team on the first leg at home, the second leg was set to take place at Independiente’s stadium. 

The game was quickly marred by violence as Chilean fans on the second level of the south stand began harassing and throwing objects — including stones and bags filled with excrement — at the Independiente fans sitting right below them.

The match was suspended after a stun grenade was thrown to the area where local fans stood, and Chilean supporters were asked to leave the stadium, but several refused. 

Then, members of the Independiente barrabrava (a violent fans organization) broke into the area assigned to Chilean fans, assaulting and harassing those who remained. Chilean fans were clubbed and forced to strip.

Two Chilean fans were hospitalized as a result of the brawl. While they required surgery, both of them have already been discharged and are currently out of danger.

CONMEBOL’s legal process advances

South American football confederation CONMEBOL, the Copa Sudamericana’s organizing body, opened an investigation after the events. Both clubs face charges in front of CONMEBOL’s Disciplinary Unit and have until Wednesday, August 27, to present their case.

Independiente president Néstor Grindetti confirmed to the press that the Argentine club will base their case on the fact that it was the Chilean fanbase who started the brawl.

“We met with CONMEBOL’s legal department and reviewed the chronology of events,” he told radio outlet La Red. “We had spoken with CONMEBOL, the police, and the players, and they told us to clear the upper stands. The crowd did not comply voluntarily,” he added.

Universidad de Chile lawyer and director José Ramón Correa told Chilean newspaper La Tercera that they believe the organizing team, Independiente, should bear the brunt of the blame.

“The U shouldn’t be eliminated,” he said. “I’d struggle to come up with a case where the visiting team is sanctioned for homicidal actions.”