Football hooligan shoots cops with ‘fireworks cannon’ as tons of invade pitch
Three police officers were taken to hospital after a hooligan held a fireworks cannon like a machine gun and rained explosives down on them from the stands during an attempted pitch invasion
An investigation is under way after a football hooligan shot at cops with a fireworks cannon during a major final that had to be halted in the 84th minute.
Hundreds of fans tried to invade the pitch during the Copa Colombia final on Sunday between Atletico Nacional and America de Cali, clashing with police officers, three of which needed hospital treatment.
As the invasion took place, one America fan started firing at cops with a fireworks cannon, raining down the explosives on the cops while trying to miss the fans. He held the equipment like a machine gun and shot continuous rockets at the officers, who were forced to protect themselves from the onslaught with riot shields.
The Colombian top-tier teams were playing the second leg of the final of the cup competition, officially known as the Copa BetPlay Dimayor. Atletico won the first leg 3-1 before meeting America at their home ground, the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium in Cali City, Colombia.
The game was tied 0-0 when violence in the stands prompted officials to halt the game in the 84th minute, and with the game unable to continue, the cup was awarded to Atletico. It was their seventh Copa Colombia in the club’s history.
After referee Jose Ortiz halted the game before regulation time, the 37,000-capacity stadium was promptly evacuated and the players were prevented from celebrating on the field and collecting the trophy.
Multiple disturbances were reported outside the stadium that left several fans with injuries, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Police spokesperson Carlos Oviedo said: “Some members of the America de Cali fanbase tried to violently invade the stadium’s pitch. Officers from the Dialogue and Order Maintenance Unit jumped into action and prevented them from reaching the field. As a result, a confrontation occurred.
“Three police officers were injured and are being treated at a nearby medical centre. The Colombian Football Federation received a commitment from the leaders of these groups that this sporting event would take place in peace and harmony, but unfortunately this was not fulfilled.”
An investigation to identify the ringleaders of the violence is under way.
