BOGOTA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A Copa Libertadores group-stage match between Colombia's Independiente Medellin and Brazil's Flamengo was suspended on Thursday after unrest among home fans at Medellin's Atanasio Girardot stadium.
The match in Group A of South America's top club competition was halted shortly after kickoff when home supporters in the north stand lit flares and threw objects toward the pitch.
Referee Jesus Valenzuela instructed players from both teams to take shelter in the dressing rooms as police and security staff tried to restore order.
Local media said fans were protesting against Independiente Medellin's management and players amid the club's poor domestic form.
South American football governing body CONMEBOL later confirmed on social media that the match had been canceled.
Under CONMEBOL's disciplinary code, a team found responsible for the suspension or abandonment is liable to forfeit the game with a 3-0 scoreline. The governing body has not yet announced any sanctions.
Flamengo currently leads Group A with seven points, ahead of Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata on six points, while Independiente Medellin sits third with four points. ■
