A Copa Bolivia quarterfinal descended into chaos late Tuesday when a mass brawl erupted immediately following the final whistle, resulting in an extraordinary 17 red cards being issued to players, coaching staff, and club officials.
The second-leg match between Real Oruro and Club Blooming, which ended 2-2 (4-3 on aggregate to Blooming), was overshadowed by the violent confrontation on the pitch of the Jesús Bermúdez stadium. The incident was reportedly sparked by mounting frustration and a contentious qualification result that sent Blooming into the semi-finals.
Referee Renan Castillo was forced to use his cards 17 times after players and staff from both sides engaged in an aggressive melee. Reports indicate that seven players from Blooming and four from Real Oruro were dismissed, with the remainder of the expulsions levied against the two head coaches, Marcelo Robledo (Real Oruro) and Mauricio Soria (Blooming), and their assistants.
According to a statement released by Real Oruro, the fight was initiated by provocation from the opposing team. The club claimed that “expressions of a discriminatory nature” were used during the match and at its conclusion, suggesting the brawl was triggered by racist insults.
The violence became so severe that law enforcement was forced to intervene. Reports from local media, including El Potosi, confirm that police officers deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and stop the fighting. The chaotic scenes extended beyond the pitch, as Real Oruro coach Marcelo Robledo reportedly suffered a shoulder injury and a blow to the head after being pushed, necessitating hospitalization. Furthermore, a Blooming official is alleged to have sustained a fractured cheekbone during the fracas.
The disciplinary fallout is expected to be significant. Blooming, despite progressing to face Bolívar in the semi-finals, has lost seven players who will now face suspensions. The referee’s full report is being forwarded to the Sports Disciplinary Tribunal for further sanctions against both clubs and individuals involved in the shocking display of violence.
