The derby between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno took on the appearance of a riot and was called off after 29 minutes due to rioting.
Published April 20, 2026
Paraguayan authorities were forced to cancel a match between the country’s top soccer clubs after clashes between fans and police at a stadium in the capital left several people injured.
Witnesses said the violence was sparked by the detonation of high-powered firecrackers smuggled into the Cerro Porteno supporters’ area of Asunción’s Defensor del Chaco stadium during Sunday’s Primera División derby between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno.
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A source told a local newspaper that some fans snatched riot shields from police officers and “paraded them like trophies” in front of the crowd.
Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, forcing hundreds of spectators to flee onto the pitch. Television footage showed parts of the stands engulfed in smoke.
The match, played in front of about 40,000 people, was called off after 29 minutes and about 100 people were detained.
“Officers took immediate action to ensure the safety of those in attendance,” local police said in a statement.
Security forces said at least six police officers were injured, one of whom was taken to hospital in critical condition. It was not immediately clear whether any fans were injured.
Hospital spokesman David Torales said the officer’s injuries included possible head and stab wounds.
Police said they were working to “identify those who instigated the conflict in order to sanction and ban them from participating in future sporting events.”
The Paraguayan Football Federation (APF) says teams must forfeit the match if supporters force a stoppage.
Olimpia president Rodrigo Noguez said the club would ask the APF disciplinary tribunal to award them three points from the match.
Cerro Porteno president Blas Reguera said Olimpia was responsible for security at the stadium because of its status as match organizer.
Olimpia currently leads Paraguay’s top football division, while Cerro Porteno are in second place.
