A flag-waving event in Alianza Lima ahead of Peru’s classic soccer match against Universitario Deportes ended in disaster on Saturday, with at least one person dead and 47 injured. The incident occurred inside the Blue and White team’s stadium, and the cause is still unknown, but the possibility of a human avalanche is being considered.
Peruvian authorities initially reported dozens of injuries due to the collapse of walls and structures at the Alianza Lima Stadium, but this was later ruled out after it emerged that no sports facilities were affected.
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The rally took place in the south stand of the stadium. This is where Alianza Lima’s ultras usually sit, and it is possible that there were so many people in attendance that a scuffle broke out between members of the ultras.
Several videos shared by protesters on social media showed large numbers of people entering the stadium’s already packed south stand, followed by desperate cries and people, including children, trying to climb on top of each other.
As a result of the clash, one person apparently died of suffocation, and dozens more were left virtually unconscious on the floor, as seen in another series of videos published on social networks by various witnesses.
Both the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima and the Municipality of La Victoria, whose jurisdiction includes the Alianza Lima stadium, said in separate statements that the popular “flag-waving” had no permits or security guarantees for the celebrations.
security protocols
Meanwhile, Peru’s most popular club, Alianza Lima, deplored what happened in a separate statement, saying: “From the first moment security and first aid were immediately activated and timely assistance was provided to the victims and their families.”
The sports organization said it was “cooperating fully and transparently with the competent authorities to help uncover the facts during the investigation.”
Alianza Lima administrator Fernando Cabada told RPP radio station that flag-waving of this kind is common and that no incidents have occurred to date. “This is an internal event, it’s not a commercial event, it’s not a ticketed event. It’s not a show, it’s just some (fans) coming to the stadium,” he said.
Meanwhile, Liga 1, Peru’s top division tournament, confirmed that the match between Universitario and Alianza Lima will take place on Saturday, dispelling rumors about a possible postponement of the classic.
