Montevideo, June 16 (IANS) A match between Penarol and Nacional, Uruguay’s most popular football clubs, had to be suspended due to violence among fans that left four police officers with minor injuries and 42 people in custody, authorities have said.
Nacional was leading 3-2 in Sunday’s clasico to decide the championship when referee Javier Betancor awarded them a second penalty on the night, infuriating the Penarol fans, reports Efe.
Though Nacional failed to convert, Penarol fans began hurling objects at police and vandalizing Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium, prompting Betancor to stop play with seven minutes left in extra time.
The Uruguayan Soccer Association (AUF) said on Monday the Disciplinary Tribunal will decide whether to give Nacional the title or require the teams to play the final seven minutes.
Opposition leaders spoke out to demand government action to put an end to violence in sports.
“This doesn’t give cause celebrate. Government, AUF, you must assume your responsibilities. Enough of ‘Nothing can be done!,” Luis Lacalle Pou wrote on his Twitter account on Monday.