The Paraguayan "Superclasico" derby between Cerro Porteño and Olimpia erupted into major turmoil when fans violently clashed with police officers, forcing the match to be stopped at the 30th minute of the first half.
On 20 April 2026, tensions escalated in the stands as some fans broke through police barricades, sparking fierce clashes. Reports indicated that rioters even seized riot shields from officers to taunt them, while police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The chaos caused many fans to panic and flee onto the pitch to escape the tear gas. Cerro Porteño players also aided by throwing water bottles up into the stands to ease the eye irritation caused by the gas.
Reports confirmed that at least three police officers were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the clashes, while footage showed officers being violently attacked by groups of fans at times.
Additionally, a pregnant woman collapsed and required urgent assistance after inhaling tear gas; she was removed from the area with a cloth covering her nose and mouth.
An Olimpia fan shared, “I brought my child to watch this game for the first time, but after this experience, how could I ever come back?”
Paraguay’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed it is urgently identifying those responsible to bring them to justice, ordering severe penalties and future stadium bans.