Police arrested three Universidad Católica supporters and deported a prominent Argentine fan during the first international match at the Claro Arena in Las Condess. The event, which saw 18,812 fans attend, served as a high-stakes test for new security protocols following the arrival of 2,000 Boca Juniors supporters.
Colonel Claudio Donoso of the Public Order Control Prefecture described the overall operation as a success despite the arrests. He confirmed that all three detainees were local Universidad Católica fans.
"One was for an active drug law warrant, another for concealing identity because he refused to show his ID, and the third was carrying a pocketknife," Donoso said.
Authorities also deported Mauro Martin, a leader of Boca Juniors' 'La 12' group, due to a significant criminal record in Argentina. The Police of Investigations (PDI) handled the deportation process.
Security measures and fan behavior
Despite the high-tension atmosphere, Colonel Donoso noted that the visiting Argentine fans remained orderly after the match. He stated that he intentionally held the visiting section for 40 minutes to facilitate a smooth exit.
"They waited calmly, singing. They never pressured us or anything," Donoso said.
Security officials implemented strict entry controls, requiring passports for Argentines and national IDs for Chilean residents. Most visitors arrived in private vehicles rather than the buses originally anticipated, necessitating a change in the security perimeter.
Some fans traveled long distances to attend the match. Fabián, a resident of Calama, traveled specifically for the game and noted he had secured his ticket a month in advance.
While most of the evening passed without incident, a brief moment of tension occurred when the 'barra' bus was forced to discharge passengers early. Police and private security escorted the group on foot to the stadium parking lot.
