Ontario police officers were
punched, kicked and spat on as they attempted to keep tempers in order after the now-infamous Chilean Under 20 FIFA brawl, says police chief Bill Blair.
"The investigation revealed that my officers intervened at the first sign of trouble and that members of the Chilean team not only refused to stop their aggressive behaviour, they engaged in conduct that inflamed the situation," says Blair. "The officers involved were punched, kicked, spat upon and kicked in the groin."
Blair, speaking at a press conference on Monday, released the report on the investigation into post-game fighting that occurred after the semi-final between Chile and Argentina. Public outrage over allegations of Toronto police pepper spraying, tazering and beating of Chilean players is simply not well placed, says Blair.
"All witnesses reported that the conduct of the officers involved was appropriate, necessary and commendable," says Blair. "Those independent witnesses included event security officials, officials from the (FIFA) association, the field co-ordinator and the driver of the Chilean bus."
Chilean players evidently got into a dispute with Argentine fans after the game, as they were preparing to load into their bus. When a female Toronto officer stepped in to break up the altercation, a Chilean player punched the officer and continued to attack her. When other officers intervened the players on the bus piled out and the brawl began.
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They were arrested and handcuffed and taken inside. There was a great deal of discussion over a considerable period of time with respect to the laying of charges," stated Blair. "A decision was made by the duty inspector - an appropriate decision in my opinion, to exercise discretion not to lay charges in those circumstances, in large measure to allow the tournament to be completed."
Chief Blair says this is not a get out of jail free card for hooligans who think this means they'll get off scot free the next time they decide to hurt police officers, those people will be arrested and charged.
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There were police officers assaulted in this case. The police officers have the right to defend themselves and did. They used the force options that they are authorized to used and are trained to use," concluded Blair.
The windshield of the Chilean player's bus was smashed. Damage is estimated at approximately $35,000. No members of the public or event officials were injured. Four police officers had minor injuries, including cuts, bumps and bruising.