Santiago derby abandoned after player felled by object thrown from crowd
|
Version 0 of 1. The Santiago derby between arch rivals Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica was abandoned after an hour when a player was hit by an object thrown from the crowd. Universidad Católica's Fernando Meneses was struck on the back in Sunday's match as he went to take a corner in front a section occupied by Universidad de Chile fans at Santiago's Estadio Nacional. Meneses fell to the ground and was taken off on a stretcher surrounded by angry opponents, who appeared to suggest he was play-acting, leading to scuffles and arguments between the teams. After a five-minute delay, the referee Enrique Osses abandoned the match with Catolica leading 1-0. "The player was attacked on the stretcher and that is unacceptable," the Católica president Jaime Estévez told the website of the Chilean newspaper La Tercera. Meneses was taken to hospital and media reports said he was later discharged. The Chilean league was due to meet on Monday to decide what measures should be taken. Universidad de Chile, the home team, later wished Meneses a speedy recovery. "Universidad de Chile energetically condemns the throwing of objects on to the field which took place today ... as well as any conduct which hinders the progress of the sporting spectacle," the club said. Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |