A severe clash broke out during the Bolivian League Cup quarterfinal second leg, sending the match into chaos.
According to Bolivian media reports, players from Blooming and Oruro engaged in a violent post-match brawl, ultimately leading to 17 players and coaches being sent off by the referees.
In the match itself, Blooming drew 2–2 at home against Oruro and advanced to the semifinals with a 4–3 aggregate victory (after winning the first leg 2–1). However, the tension exploded the moment the final whistle was blown.
Post-Match Arguments Escalate Into Full-Scale Fight
According to El Potosí, the confrontation began with verbal disputes between players but quickly escalated into physical conflict. Opponents initially restrained Oruro player Sosa, but he eventually broke free and pushed several players.
Meanwhile, his teammate Vila also lost control, repeatedly swinging punches and further intensifying the chaos.
Coaches Also Involved, Injuries Reported
Oruro head coach Robledo was likewise unable to contain his emotions. Reports indicate he got into a heated argument with members of the Bolivian national team’s coaching staff and was eventually shoved to the ground.
Sources revealed that Robledo suffered a shoulder injury and a blow to the head, and he was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
Blooming also reported that their security staff member, Cristian, was hospitalised after allegedly being “viciously kicked to the ground” by Robledo, resulting in a type-3 zygomatic bone fracture with medial displacement.
Police Deploy Tear Gas to Stop the Riot
As the situation worsened, around 20 police officers were forced to intervene. After multiple failed attempts to control the crowd, officers ultimately fired tear gas to disperse the groups involved. Blooming head coach Soria immediately instructed his players to retreat to the dressing room to calm down and avoid further escalation.
17 People Sent Off
The official match report confirmed that seven Blooming players and four Oruro players were shown red cards. Both head coaches and their assistants were also expelled, bringing the total number of dismissals to 17.
With Blooming advancing to the semifinals, at least six of their players are expected to face suspensions for violent conduct during the brawl.
Violent Scenes Spark Debate Over League Discipline
A match that was supposed to determine the semifinalists instead became a global headline due to the shocking violence. The incident has sparked widespread concerns and criticism about disciplinary standards and management in Bolivian football.
