Police were forced to deploy tear gas to control a massive brawl that erupted following a cup match in Bolivia, resulting in a staggering 17 individuals being sent off in chaotic scenes that marred the game.
Chaos Unleashed at Full-Time
The violence flared immediately after the final whistle of the Copa Bolivia quarter-final second leg between Blooming and Real Ocuro. The match, played on November 27, 2025, ended in a 2-2 draw, which was enough for Blooming to advance to the semi-finals after their 2-1 first-leg victory.
Instead of celebrations, the pitch descended into bedlam. According to Bolivian outlet El Potosi, Real Ocuro's Sebastian Zeballos had to be restrained by opposition players before breaking free and shoving others. His teammate, Julio Vila, further ignited the situation by throwing punches.
Coaches Caught in the Fray
The conflict was not limited to players. Ocuro coach Marcelo Robledo was reportedly so infuriated that he confronted a member of the Bolivian national team's coaching staff. During the altercation, Robledo was pushed, falling backwards and suffering injuries that required hospital treatment, including a shoulder injury and a blow to the head.
In response to the escalating violence, a unit of 20 police officers intervened, ultimately resorting to the use of tear gas to disperse the fighting players and staff. Meanwhile, Blooming coach Mauricio Soria took decisive action by ordering his players to return to the dressing room in an attempt to calm the situation.
Staggering Aftermath and Potential Bans
The official match report detailed the unprecedented number of dismissals. Blooming had seven players shown red cards, while Ocuro saw four players dismissed. Both teams' coaches and their assistants were also sent off, bringing the total to 17 red cards.
The disciplinary consequences are severe. At least six Blooming players—Gabriel Valverde, Richet Gómez, Franco Posse, Roberto Melgar, César Romero, and Luis Suárez—were cited for violent conduct and will be banned for the remainder of the cup competition. César Menacho was also sent off for using offensive language from the bench and participating in the brawl.
For Ocuro, Raúl Gómez, Julio Vila, Yerco Vallejos, and Eduardo Alvarez were given their marching orders. Notably, Sebastian Zeballos, who reportedly triggered the initial unsavoury scenes, escaped punishment. Further sanctions are possible once referee Renán Castillo submits a supplementary report to the Sports Disciplinary Tribunal.
This is not an isolated incident for either club. Blooming were involved in another fight against Bolivar just weeks prior, and Ocuro saw similar angry scenes spill onto their athletics track during a relegation play-off against Royal Pari last year.
