Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez condemned fan violence at Wednesday’s Colombia Cup final, which left 59 people injured, including seven police officers. The clashes broke out after Atletico Nacional defeated local rivals Deportivo Independiente Medellin 1-0 in the second leg of the Copa Colombia final at Estadio Atanasio Girardot.
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Police said security checks at the stadium led to the seizure of weapons, flares, and fireworks from fans. Local commander William Castano told Teleantioquia that officers had to apply graduated measures to prevent fans from storming the pitch, control public order disturbances, and ensure the safety of spectators. “It was necessary to control outbreaks and guarantee the safety of citizens attending the event,” he added.
Así terminó la final de la Copa Colombia entre Nacional y Medellín. Hay 59 heridos, entre ellos, siete policías. Lo increíble: NI UN SOLO CAPTURADO. Otra vez falla la seguridad y los controles de ingreso a los estadios. Y como siempre, después de la tormenta, solo lamentos y… pic.twitter.com/3GpMvJwmsr
— Giovanni Celis Sarmiento (@GiovanniCelisS) December 18, 2025
Mayor Gutierrez stressed that most fans had come to enjoy the match, but a small group sought to incite violence. On social media, he said: “Anyone who went to the stadium to attack, destroy, or incite fear will be held accountable under the law. We will not allow a few to damage what belongs to everyone.”
The mayor lamented that Medellin, once considered a model for peaceful football in Colombia and Latin America, had been marred by these incidents. “What a disappointment,” he wrote, emphasizing that authorities would pursue legal action against those responsible.
Authorities have called for increased security and stricter measures at upcoming matches to prevent a repeat of the violence. The Colombian Football Federation also condemned the clashes and urged fans to celebrate responsibly, stressing the importance of maintaining order during high-profile games.
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The incident has renewed discussions on fan behavior and stadium safety in Colombian football, highlighting the need for vigilance, strict enforcement of rules, and better coordination between clubs, law enforcement, and organizers.