RIOT POLICE were called on to the pitch at full-time and PEPPER-SPRAYED players after a play-off clash descended into chaos.
Deportivo Madryn, playing at home in the Argentine second division promotion, won the game 1-0 and progress to the final for a chance to compete in the Primera Division.
Their opponents, Deportivo Moron, were left fuming at referee Pablo Echavarría and tempers boiled over following the match.
Santiago Postel’s first-half header was enough to earn victory for Madryn at the Coliseo del Golfo but that came following a controversial decision from Echavarría.
He awarded a free-kick to the hosts which led to the goal and it infuriated Moron players.
Despite being on top of the game, Moron could not convert and were left frustrated.
That showed when Joaquin Livera was sent off soon after the break, making it a mountain to climb for a comeback.
When Echavarría ended the game everything kicked off with players, staff, and fans engaging in violent scenes on the pitch.
Madryn were unable to properly celebrate their progress as riot police came on to the field.
Videos show a line of guarded officers in black protection gear, helmets, and carrying shields being kicked by Moron players.
Several white and red shirts attempted to kick down the wall of riot police with others trying to hold their team-mates back.
When the Moron players got too close pepper spray was used to push them back.
The players quickly recoiled and moved away but the damage had been done both in the match and afterwards.
Each set of players sought to go at the other with some punches being thrown.
Several Moron players chased a Madryn man and tried to kick him as he ran away.
Some fans ended up in the middle of it all with players being knocked to the floor and flares let off in the stands.
The police held one Moron player in a headlock as he was walked away from the incident.
Bottles were thrown as a large group of bodies moved towards the touchline and riot police attempted to separate the two teams.
Madryn will now prepare to face Estudiantes de Río Cuarto in the play-off final.
