Carabineros arrests two subjects for throwing fireworks after the Superclásico

Two men were arrested by Chile's Carabineros police on Sunday for setting off fireworks during the Superclásico match, a highly anticipated football derby between Universidad de Chile and Colo Colo. The incident occurred in San Bernardo, near the Estadio Nacional, where the match was held. According to officials, the arrests took place around 11:00 local time after police received reports of unauthorized pyrotechnics in a public square located at Bartolomé Díaz and Juan Saavedra streets. The two suspects, aged 40 and 33, were detained in the area of Antonio Beltrán and Licenciado Guerrero streets. Police confirmed they had set off two fireworks, with video evidence and physical proof supporting the claim. During the operation, officers seized two firework cartridges. Both individuals have prior criminal records, which were submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings. They remain in custody pending a decision by the prosecution on whether they will be placed under formal detention. The arrest comes amid heightened security measures surrounding the Superclásico, one of the most intense rivalries in Chilean football. Earlier in the day, police had already conducted searches at the Estadio Nacional, where they confiscated a large bundle of fireworks referred to locally as a "torta." This action was part of efforts to prevent illegal pyrotechnic displays during the match, which often draw large crowds and can lead to unsafe conditions if not properly controlled. Authorities have been increasingly vigilant ahead of major sporting events due to past incidents involving violence and unauthorized activities. In recent years, several matches have been disrupted by fan-related disturbances, prompting law enforcement to implement stricter protocols. On this occasion, however, the police managed to contain the situation before it escalated into a larger public safety issue. The two detainees were taken to the 62nd Police Station in San Bernardo, where they are being processed through the judicial system. Major Christian Mena, who oversees operations at the station, stated that the men would remain in custody until the Public Prosecution decides their next legal steps. He emphasized that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and that authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of spectators and participants in such high-profile events. San Bernardo has become a focal point for policing efforts related to the Superclásico, given its proximity to the Estadio Nacional. Over the weekend, police also conducted checks on vehicles in the area, removing 39 cars from circulation for violating public order regulations. These actions reflect broader concerns about maintaining security and preventing disruptions during the match. In addition to the arrests made on Sunday, there have been other notable developments in the region. Earlier in the week, a man was detained in Coronel for attempted murder after stabbing a victim in the chest. The injured person remains in critical condition. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor public spaces for potential threats, especially in areas known for gathering large numbers of fans during major football matches. The Superclásico itself saw significant activity both on and off the field. Before kickoff, police removed a large quantity of fireworks from the stadium grounds, indicating a proactive approach to crowd management. Teams made last-minute adjustments to their starting lineups, with Universidad de Chile adding a new player to their bench and Colo Colo making changes to their formation. Fans from both sides filled the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere despite the earlier incidents involving fireworks.