A match in Bolivia descends into absolute chaos with 17 red cards

Blooming and Real Ocuro drew 2-2 in the Copa Bolivia quarter-finals second leg. It means Blooming advanced to the semi-finals on aggregate following a 2-1 first-leg win.

However, tensions quickly erupted after the full-time whistle. A viral video shows players from both sides rushing into a mass confrontation, followed by staff and players hurling punches in shocking scenes. 

According to Bolivian outlet El Potosí, the chaos erupted when Oruro star Sebastian Zeballos broke free from several Blooming players who were attempting to restrain him. His teammate Julio Vila soon waded into the confrontation, throwing punches that set off a wider brawl.

In the midst of the scuffle, Oruro coach Marcelo Robledo became involved in an altercation with a rival coach and ended up being shoved to the ground. Reports claim he was taken to hospital after suffering a shoulder injury and a blow to the head.

A squad of 20 police officers had to step in, even deploying tear gas, to quell the violent scenes. Blooming coach Mauricio Soria quickly ushered his players into the dressing room to restore order.

The official match report confirmed seven Blooming players and four from Oruro were sent off, with both teams’ coaches and assistants also shown red cards, bringing the astonishing total to 17 dismissals.

Following the chaos, at least six players will face bans for the remainder of the cup. Gabriel Valverde, Richet Gómez, Franco Posse, Roberto Melgar, César Romero, and Luis Suárez were all sanctioned for violent conduct during the brawl, as Blooming secured their place in the semi-finals.

The chaos had severe consequences, with Robledo hospitalized after a shoulder injury and head blow, and a Blooming official reportedly sustaining a fractured cheekbone.

Following the incident, Bolivian outlet Vision360 reported that Castillo will submit his official match report to the Sports Disciplinary Tribunal, which will decide on any further action against those involved in the chaotic scenes.