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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