Colo’s title No. 35 celebrations erupted into violent clashes with police in Santiago and Puerto Montt, forcing the use of water cannons and tear gas, BioBioChile reported.
The turmoil began after the team’s championship victory over Ñublense. The events followed Colo’s victory over Ñublense in Chillán on Sunday afternoon, securing the team’s 35th Primera División title and sparking nationwide celebrations.
In the capital, Carabineros deployed a water cannon truck to disperse fans gathered at the intersection of Vicuña Mackenna and Alameda. The use of the water cannon prompted some fans to respond by throwing objects at police patrol vehicles, leading to the dispersal of the crowd in that area.
The reason for the initial use of the water cannon and whether any specific incidents triggered it remain unknown. It is unknown why the water cannon was initially used and if any specific incident triggered it.
The situation in Puerto Montt was more prolonged, with clashes between Carabineros and Colo supporters continuing in various parts of the city’s center. The most intense confrontations occurred in the city’s main square, along the Antonio Varas axis, and on the waterfront. Police used tear gas bombs to disperse the crowd, which had an “important load of tear gas residue.”
The violence, which primarily involved young fans, dispersed families who had gathered to celebrate, and some businesses closed early due to the unrest.
The environment has an “important load of tear gas residue” from the bombs police used to disperse fans, who were described as “mainly young people and adolescents” who confronted police for a long time. While the situation has gradually begun to normalize, police patrols continue and sporadic clashes are still reported.
Reportan enfrentamientos entre Carabineros e hinchas de Colo en Santiago y Puerto Montthttps://t.co/ByqPOEARC0
The events followed Colo’s victory over Ñublense in Chillán on Sunday afternoon, securing the team’s 35th Primera División title and sparking nationwide celebrations. However, the festivities were marred by the disorder in Santiago and Puerto Montt, overshadowing the team’s achievement.
The celebration for the championship obtained by Colo was followed by disorder that dispersed families who had arrived at the plaza, with a confrontation between the uniformed police and the fans.
