A quarter-final match in the Copa Bolivia between Club Blooming and Real Oruro dissolved into utter pandemonium on Tuesday night, culminating in a mass brawl and a staggering 17 red cards being issued. The chaotic scenes, which unfolded after the final whistle, forced police to intervene, using tear gas to quell the violence.
Blooming progressed to the Copa Bolivia semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Real Oruro, following a 2-2 draw in the second leg. Having won the first leg 2-1, Blooming's players were unable to celebrate their success as tempers flared, leading to a violent confrontation between both sets of players and staff.
According to Bolivian media outlet El Potosi, the brawl was sparked when Real Oruro's Sebastian Zeballos was restrained by several Blooming players, resulting in a shoving match. Julio Vila, Zeballos' teammate, then allegedly threw punches, igniting the massive brawl. Oruro coach Marcelo Robledo reportedly confronted a member of the Bolivian national team's coaching staff and was pushed, leading to his hospitalization with a shoulder injury and a head blow.
As the situation spiraled out of control, a team of 20 police officers entered the pitch, deploying tear gas to separate the warring factions. Blooming coach Mauricio Soria directed his players to the dressing room in an attempt to restore calm. Referee Renán Castillo handed out a total of 17 red cards following the brawl – seven to Blooming players, four to Oruro players, and six to members of staff from both teams.
Gabriel Valverde, Richet Gómez, Franco Posse, Roberto Melgar, César Romero, and Luis Suárez of Blooming were all shown red cards for violent conduct and will be suspended for the remainder of the Copa Bolivia campaign. Raúl Gómez, Julio Vila, Yerco Vallejos and Eduardo Alvarez were the Oruro players dismissed. César Menacho was sent off for offensive language from the bench and was also seen actively participating in the brawl.
Adding to the aftermath, reports suggest that one of Blooming's coaching staff members suffered a fractured cheekbone during the fracas. Further sanctions may be imposed as the referee's report has been submitted to the Sports Disciplinary Tribunal in Bolivia. Richard Vásquez, president of Real Oruro, alleged that discriminatory language was used towards the people of Oruro during the match.
The shocking scenes have been widely condemned, with many labeling it a "night of shame" for Bolivian football. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in the sport and the importance of maintaining order and respect on and off the pitch.
