05-05-2025
Coach, ball boy caught in chaos as pitch invasion ends Colombian match
Once Caldas manager Hernan Dario Herrera was allegedly attacked during the commotion. (Reuters pic)
SANTA MARTA : A Colombian top flight match between Union Magdalena and Once Caldas was suspended in the 80th minute yesterday after Magdalena fans invaded the pitch at the Estadio Sierra Nevada in Santa Marta.
A large number of spectators surged onto the field around the 80th minute, with the home side Magdalena trailing 1-0 after a goal from Once Caldas forward Dayro Moreno.
Referees and players were forced to retreat to the locker rooms as fans ran across the field.
In the chaos, Once Caldas manager Hernan Dario Herrera and a ball boy were allegedly attacked.
'Dimayor would like to inform the public that the match between Union Magdalena and Once Caldas has been definitively suspended due to a breach of security,' organisers Dimayor (Major Division of Colombian Professional Football) said in a statement late yesterday.
'The match was suspended in the 80th minute after an invasion by fans of the home team. The decision to suspend the match was made by the referee after confirming the attacks on Once Caldas' coach, Hernan Dario Herrera, and a ball boy.'
Local media reported that the home fans invaded the field in protest against their team's dismal campaign since promotion to the top flight, with Union Magdalena winless after 16 games and stranded on eight points at the bottom of the Liga Dimayor.
Dimayor did not say if a rematch will be scheduled.
Once Caldas, in eighth place, host Millonarios in the league on Sunday and Union Magdalena visit Deportes Tolima.
