Wild football brawl sees 17 MEN sent off as police use tear gas to break things up

Chaotic scenes unfolded following a football match in Bolivia as a brawl broke out and 17 people were sent off at full-time as terrifying scenes of violence ruin cup game

Police were forced to use tear gas to break up a brawl that saw 17 men sent off following a cup match in South America. Chaos ensued after the 2-2 draw between Bolivian sides Blooming and Real Ocuro, as the former advanced to the Copa Bolivia quarterfinal.

Blooming, playing away from home, progressed after winning the first leg 2-1. Rather than being able to celebrate their success, however, tempers soon flared after the full-time whistle was blown. Punches were thrown as, per Bolivian outlet El Potosi, with Oruro star Sebastian Zeballos having to be restrained by opposition players before breaking free and pushing others.

His team-mate, Julio Vila, was in a similar frenzy and threw the punches that saw bedlam unfold. Oruro coach Marcelo Robledo was equally infuriated and reportedly confronted a member of the Bolivian national team’s coaching staff. Robledo ultimately fell backwards as he was pushed, with reports claiming he was hospitalised after suffering a shoulder injury and a blow to his head.

A group of 20 police officers had to intervene and even required tear gas to stop the scenes of violence. Blooming coach Mauricio Soria ordered his players into the dressing room to calm them down.

READ MORE: Aston Villa star struck on head by missile in ugly scenes before game is suspendedREAD MORE: Crystal Palace fans escorted to stadium by riot police after violent clash ‘left windows smashed’

The official match report lists Blooming as having seven players sent off, while Oruro saw four. Both teams’ coaches and their assistants also received red cards, taking the tally in total to a staggering 17.

At least six players will be banned for the remainder of the cup after Blooming advanced to the semi-finals. Gabriel Valverde, Richet Gómez, Franco Posse, Roberto Melgar, César Romero, and Luis Suárez were all carded for violent conduct during the brawl.

César Menacho was sent off for using offensive language from the bench. The forward was also spotted playing an active role in the brawl.

Raúl Gómez, Julio Vila, Yerco Vallejos and Eduardo Alvarez were given their marching orders for Oruro, but Zeballos escaped despite triggering the unsavoury scenes. More punishments could be dished out after referee Renán Castillo sends the supplementary report to the Sports Disciplinary Tribunal.

It’s not the first time the teams have been involved in a physical altercation. Blooming saw another fight when they faced Bolivar just weeks ago. It’s also the second time that Oruro have seen a fight spill onto their athletics track: last year the side saw angry scenes during their relegation play-off against Royal Pari.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.