Néstor Grindetti, president of the Argentine club Independiente, has revisited the violent incidents involving Universidad de Chile fans during the Copa Sudamericana round of 16, calling the subsequent sanctions by Conmebol excessive.
Speaking to TyC Sports, Grindetti recounted the chaos that erupted in Avellaneda eight months ago. He described scenes of extreme disorder during the match between the two sides.
“I saw how the Chileans were throwing entire toilets. There were people with broken heads,” Grindott stated, according to latercera.com.
Grindetti claimed he personally intervened to request the match be suspended due to the escalating violence. He argued that the Chilean supporters were completely out of control during the clash.
Disproportionate punishment
The Argentine club currently faces a heavy penalty, including elimination from the tournament and a requirement to play seven future international matches behind closed doors. Grindetti expressed frustration with the severity of the ruling.
“I am not saying that Independiente should not receive a sanction, but such a sanction... It seems an exaggerated responsibility on Independiente,” the president said, as reported by latercera.com.
While the club president admitted to organizational errors during the event, he insisted that the blame is not solely on his institution. He suggested that the responsibility is shared among several parties involved in the match's management.
“Before Conmebol, we felt alone. From the first moment, I recognized that there are errors, but concurrent errors. Independiente is not the only one responsible,” Grindetti told the outlet.
Grindetti also accused the Chilean football system of failing to support the Argentine club during the fallout. He noted that while the Chilean football community rallied behind Universidad de Chile, no similar support was offered to Independiente.
The club president is currently evaluating a new bid for the presidency of Independiente in the upcoming elections scheduled for December.
