Violence mars Chilean title celebrations for Colo Colo
Monday 7 December 2015 08:41, UK
Colo Colo were crowned Chilean champions on Sunday but their celebrations were ruined after violent scenes caused their away game against Santiago Wanderers to be abandoned.
The Santiago-based side clinched their 31st Chilean title and guaranteed themselves a spot in next year's Libertadores Cup after city rivals Universidad Catolica lost 1-0 to Audax Italiano.
However, they were unable to fulfil their Primera Division fixture against Wanderers in Valparaiso after violence erupted before the match.
Fans invaded the pitch at the Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander and fought with sticks, rocks and seats torn from the stands, while some launched fireworks at their rivals.
At least one man was seriously injured in clashes outside the ground.
The referee brought the players off the field before kick-off and called off the match.
Colo Colo coach Jose Luis Sierra said: "We have fought all season to arrive in first place and then sadly these incidents happen. It makes us sad, but the big loser is football."
Universidad Catolica's defeat left them with 32 points from their 15 matches, one point behind Colo Colo.
