Riots in Asunción Involving Junior de Barranquilla Fans
A chaotic scene unfolded in Asunción, Paraguay, as a group of Junior de Barranquilla fans engaged in riots leading to the arrest of 12 individuals. These events took place just prior to the much-anticipated match against Cerro Porteño in the Copa Libertadores.
Timeline of Events
The disturbances commenced late Friday night and continued into early Saturday morning, primarily around the Bus Terminal area. This location is typically a gathering point for fans arriving in the country to support their teams.
First Incident at a Nearby Bar
Initial reports from local media, including NPY, indicated that tensions boiled over in a commercial establishment where fans who had traveled by land were involved in a confrontation. The altercation spilled into the streets, prompting police intervention when one officer was kicked in the chest while trying to identify those involved. Reinforced police presence quickly quelled the chaos, resulting in the arrest of seven Colombian fans and one Venezuelan who were subsequently taken to a police station for processing.
Second Episode of Violence
Just hours later, another incident erupted nearby. A fresh wave of disturbances took place on public roads where fans engaged in further violence, prompting the authorities to step in again. According to reports, some of the individuals hurled stones at police officers, leading law enforcement to resort to rubber bullets to regain control. This second clash resulted in additional arrests, raising the total to 12, predominantly Colombian nationals.
Identifying the Offenders
Authorities confirmed that those arrested will face charges in line with Paraguayan law. Notable individuals among the detainees include Yerson Valencia, Víctor Pueblo, Joel González, Emanuel Doria, and Sneider Carvajal. Furthermore, at least one person sustained injuries during these altercations, although details about their condition remain scarce.
Fan Movement and Upcoming Match
Reports indicate that the fans involved traveled to Paraguay overland from Colombia to support their team in this international matchup. It is projected that around 500 Junior de Barranquilla supporters will be present for the game, leading to heightened security measures around the stadium and surrounding areas, particularly at transport hubs and commercial sectors.
Scheduled Match and Security Measures
The scheduled encounter between Cerro Porteño and Junior de Barranquilla is set for this Tuesday at La Nueva Olla Stadium, commencing at 5:00 PM. In anticipation of the match, local authorities are enforcing reinforced security operations to ensure public safety during the event.
Law Enforcement Response
The response from law enforcement, particularly the 15th Police Station of Asunción, was crucial in managing the riots. Detainees are currently in custody, pending further judicial proceedings that will determine their charges and consequences.