Over 200 fans of Uruguayan football club Penarol were taken into custody on Wednesday following violent confrontations with police ahead of their Copa Libertadores semifinal matchup against Botafogo, according to officials in Rio de Janeiro.

Authorities reported that the supporters participated in numerous acts of vandalism, looting, and destruction of businesses and vehicles in the area. During the disturbances, police discovered a firearm at the scene.

Broadcast footage captured scenes of Penarol supporters in team jerseys hurling stones at police, using tables taken from nearby kiosks to shield themselves, and igniting motorcycles along the coast in Rio’s western region. This unrest persisted for over an hour.

Later on the same day, Penarol and Botafogo were set to compete in the first leg of their semifinal match in the prestigious South American football tournament at Nilton Santos Stadium. In the tournament’s other semifinal, Atletico Mineiro triumphed over Argentina’s River Plate with a score of 3-0 in the initial leg on Tuesday.

Reports indicated that the group of Penarol fans involved in the altercations would be escorted out of Rio de Janeiro and prevented from entering the stadium for the match later.

During the tumult, Guillermo Varela, a defender for Uruguay and Flamengo, was spotted among the traveling supporters. However, his club later clarified that his presence was aimed at assisting two friends who had reached out to him amid the chaos.