Football fan dies and dozens injured in tragic stadium rally ahead of crunch derby match

One person has died and three have been left in a critical condition following an incident at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium on Saturday which left at least 60 people injured. Hundreds of football fans were in attendance at the stadium, which is based in La Victoria District of Lima, for a flag-waving event ahead of Alianza Lima's derby with Universitario.

Confirming the death, Peru's health minister in Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero said that three remain in critical condition, while Resist Wire suggest that at least 60 have been injured. Alianza Lima also offered its condolences in the aftermath of the incident.

A statement from the club read: "We are fully and transparently collaborating with the competent authorities," while adding that it vowed "total transparency" during an ongoing investigation. While initial reports suggested that a portion of the stadium's wall had collapsed, the club later confirmed the incident was not related to that.

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It explained: "According to the preliminary information available, the incident is not related to the collapse of walls or structural facilities of the sports complex."

As per the Sun, meanwhile, fire chief Marcos Pajuelo also confirmed that the incident was not a result of a broken wall.

He explained: "Based on what has been assessed, no structure has been affected. There are no collapsed walls or sections fallen into the pit."

Elsewhere, the Peruvian Professional Soccer league explained that it will "continue to work closely with the clubs and authorities" in a bid to "promote safe environments both inside and outside the stadiums."

In a statement on X, the Ministry of Health for Peru said: "The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reports that, following the report of a structural collapse at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, in the La Victoria district, eight units were mobilised through the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) to provide prehospital care to those affected, in coordination with the General Volunteer Fire Department of Peru.

"According to the preliminary report, 60 people have been recorded as injured, who are currently being evaluated and treated.

"Three of them have been transferred to the National Hospital Arzobispo Loayza. Additionally, an alert has been issued at the National Hospital Dos de Mayo and other hospitals in anticipation of the possible arrival of more injured individuals.

"The Health Emergency Operations Center (COES Salud) continues with permanent monitoring of the event and coordination of the health response."

The game between the two teams will also take place at Universitario's Estadio Monumental "U" in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time) instead.