Trouble broke out on Sunday night after the match between Millonarios and Once Caldas at the Palogrande Stadium in Manizales. As the Millonarios players walked toward the tunnel, fans reportedly threw coins and other objects. The situation quickly became unsafe.
Goalkeeper Alvaro Montero was allegedly pushed by a security officer during the incident. This has raised fresh concerns about player safety and crowd control in Colombian football.
Chaos breaks out near the locker room
Millonarios players were heading to the locker room when fans began throwing objects from the stands. According to sources close to the club, several items, including coins, were aimed at the players. The team had to move quickly to avoid being hit.
Alvaro Montero was caught in the middle of the scene. A police officer reportedly pushed him, even though he did not act in a threatening way. Security staff were supposed to keep order, but their actions added to the confusion.
David Gonzalez shares his view on the events
David Gonzalez, a member of the Once Caldas coaching team, was inside the stadium when the chaos began. He said the players and staff had to take cover in the locker room. The environment had become dangerous.
He also witnessed the treatment of Montero by a security officer. Gonzalez said the officer acted in an aggressive way and treated Montero unfairly. He stepped in to stop things from getting worse and said the goalkeeper did nothing to deserve such treatment.
Post-match press conference delayed
The situation affected the normal post-match routine. Both David Gonzalez and Millonarios midfielder Daniel Cataño were expected to attend the press conference, but they were delayed. The incident in the tunnel forced them to stay in the locker room area.
Reporters waited outside, but after several minutes, the club canceled the media briefing. Millonarios staff later explained that safety concerns caused the delay.
Player safety becomes a major concern
This event has renewed discussions about player safety in Colombia’s football stadiums. The combination of aggressive fans and poor security responses has become a worrying trend. Players should not fear for their safety when walking off the pitch.
In past matches, similar events have occurred. In 2023, a player from Deportivo Cali was hit in the face by an object thrown from the stands. That incident led to increased calls for improved stadium security, but problems still remain.
Millonarios yet to make an official statement
As of Monday, Millonarios had not issued an official comment on the situation. However, sources inside the club say that the leadership is reviewing video recordings and speaking with those who were present.
It is also expected that Dimayor, the organizing body of Colombian football, will begin an investigation. They may take action if they find any failures in stadium security or fan control.
Reaction from fans and media
The incident sparked quick responses on social media. Fans expressed their support for Montero and criticized the security team’s handling of the situation. Some called for stronger rules to prevent fans from throwing objects.
Football analysts also shared their views online. Many said that treating a player like a criminal is never acceptable and that security teams must act with professionalism, even during tense moments.
The match itself ends in a draw
Before the trouble began, fans enjoyed a tight match between two strong teams. Millonarios and Once Caldas played to a draw in a game full of energy and strong tactics. Both teams had chances to win, but neither could find a final goal.
With this result, Millonarios continues to push for a top spot in the league. Once Caldas also gains a valuable point as they try to rise in the standings.
What comes next for Millonarios
Millonarios will return to Bogotá to prepare for their next match. The club may also take steps to report what happened and ask for changes to how players are protected at away stadiums.
This incident may lead to stronger rules and new safety measures. Football clubs across Colombia may be asked to work with police to improve protection for players and staff.
