Violent clashes between fans and police forced the abandonment of Paraguay’s biggest club match on Sunday, April 19.
The Superclasico between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño was halted after chaos broke out inside the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asunción. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands as hundreds of supporters ran onto the pitch seeking safety.
The BBC reported that witnesses said the unrest began when firecrackers exploded in the section allocated to Cerro Porteño fans. Tensions quickly escalated, leading to confrontations between supporters and security forces that made it impossible for the match to continue.
Police confirmed that around 100 people were detained following the disorder. Authorities said at least six officers were injured, with one in a serious condition.
David Torales, speaking for a local hospital, said the “officers sustained head injuries, lacerations, including possible stab wounds, and other injuries”.
In a statement, police defended their response. “Police officers acted immediately to ensure the safety of those in attendance,” it read, adding that authorities are working to “identify those who instigated the conflict so that they may be sanctioned and barred from attending future sporting events”.
The abandoned fixture carries major implications for the title race in Paraguay’s Division de Honour. Olimpia lead the standings by six points over second-placed Cerro Porteño, who won the Torneo Clausura in 2025.
Under regulations set by the Paraguay Football Association, a match must be forfeited by the side whose supporters forced a suspension. The decision now rests with the association’s disciplinary tribunal.
Olimpia president Rodrigo Nogues said the club will seek to be awarded the three points. Cerro Porteño president Blas Reguera insisted the hosts should be held responsible for stadium security and crowd control.
