Fiery Match Erupts with 17 Red Cards: Tear Gas Clashes Caught on Video

A Copa Bolivia match between Real Oruro and Blooming descended into complete chaos when a massive brawl erupted, forcing 20 police officers to use tear gas to restore order. The referee handed out 17 red cards after the violence, and Oruro's coach was hospitalized with a broken shoulder.

The trouble started with a heated argument between Oruro's Sebastian Zibalos and several Blooming players. Things escalated quickly when another Oruro player jumped in and started throwing punches. What began as a typical football scuffle turned into an all-out melee that required serious police intervention.

The scene was so chaotic that officers had to deploy tear gas to separate the fighting players and coaching staff. Oruro's coach suffered the worst injury, breaking his shoulder during the fracas and needing immediate medical attention at a local hospital.

After the dust settled, the referee issued an unprecedented 17 red cards to players and staff from both teams. That's almost enough red cards to send off an entire squad. Bolivian media called the incident a "national embarrassment" for the country's football.

The match itself ended 2-2, but the result was almost an afterthought. Blooming advanced to the semifinals anyway, having won the first leg 2-1. Both clubs now face the prospect of additional sanctions from Bolivia's football federation.

Mass brawls aren't uncommon in South American football, but this incident stands out for its scale and the police response required. The 17 red cards likely set some kind of record for a single match in Bolivian football history.

The incident raises questions about security protocols at Copa Bolivia matches and whether current measures are adequate to prevent such violence. Both teams will probably face hefty fines and possible suspensions for key players.