A Copa Libertadores soccer match between Colombia's Independiente Medellín and Flamengo of Brazil was suspended after just three minutes Thursday and later called off when fans of the Colombian team began lighting flares and throwing objects on to the pitch.

The incident at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellín was apparently organized as a protest against the local club’s management following poor results in the Colombian league, where Independiente Medellín was eliminated after finishing in 11th place.

Just minutes after the launching of flares and other objects began, referee Jesús Valenzuela ordered the players on both teams to go to their locker rooms while security forces intervened in the stadium.…