Independiente President Shifts Blame in South American Cup Disqualification scandal

The suspension of the Copa Sudamericana ‌round of 16 rematch between ‌Independiente and Universidad ⁣de Chile following⁢ violent fan⁢ clashes continues to reverberate throughout South American football.⁢ what began as a potential sporting contest has devolved into ⁢a major embarrassment for Independiente, and a complex internal reckoning for‍ its‍ leadership.

Initially, Independiente President Néstor Grindetti swiftly condemned the Universidad de Chile ⁢supporters, traveling to Paraguay to appeal to CONMEBOL for⁤ a points award in his club’s favor. He directly attributed the unrest to the visiting fans. However, Grindetti’s stance has undergone a significant shift in recent days.

In a striking reversal, Grindetti now acknowledges duty lies, at least in⁤ part, with Independiente’s own‌ fanbase. Speaking to Naviso Gol TV, he stated, “I think that is a ⁣barbarity and also, let’s not lose sight ​of the fact that those people who say an autonomous fan is the one that ‍fucked us.”

disturbing footage of the ‌incidents, widely ⁤circulated internationally, depicted a group of Independiente supporters engaging in acts of violence against Universidad ⁢de Chile fans. The‌ scenes painted a damaging picture of the Avellaneda club and its ‌supporters.

“If ‌they would not have done that, it would be⁢ very⁢ clear,” Grindetti explained, referencing the available video evidence.”All the images of those moments pass, which are really dramatic, where there are 50 vandals causing chaos, and the images of the Chileans⁣ initially pulling toilets down are ⁢not seen.”

Grindetti​ expressed frustration that the actions of a small, violent contingent threaten to⁤ undermine the club’s broader institutional efforts. He is acutely ‌aware that the fallout could result in severe ⁢sanctions from CONMEBOL, potentially leading to disqualification and an administrative classification for Universidad de Chile.

“The dimension of these people’s damage ⁢is tremendous,” he lamented. “That is why, when I say, pain for what happened to many people who are hurt, but from within I have a lot of anger, as ‌for these 50 types we have to ‍give all the explanations. ‌I repudiate ‍that, we will find them and we will give all the information and that justice does what it has‍ to do; we​ are going to crack them from the​ club.”

CONMEBOL is currently considering a range ⁣of sanctions, with a significant punishment for Independiente appearing increasingly likely. Universidad de Chile, simultaneously occurring, is hoping for an administrative victory to advance in the tournament.

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