Controversy erupts in Inter Milan vs. River Plate: Players clash, fans throw glasses

Inter Milan defeated River Plate 2–0 in a decisive Group E match at the Club World Cup, eliminating the Argentine side from the tournament. The result, combined with Monterrey’s win over Urawa Reds, sent Inter and Monterrey to the next round—while River’s campaign came to an end in dramatic and heated fashion.

Inter Milan defeated River Plate 2–0 in a fiery third match of Group E at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, eliminating the Argentine side from the tournament and securing their own place in the Round of 16. But beyond the scoreline, the game was overshadowed by late chaos between players and ugly scenes in the stands.

With the win, Inter Milan topped the group with 7 points, followed by Monterrey, who beat Urawa Red Diamonds 3–1 in the other Group E fixture to reach 5 points. River Plate, who came into the final day with a chance to qualify, finished third with 4 points and were eliminated from the competition. Urawa ended bottom with zero.

The match between River and Inter had high stakes — and high tension from the first whistle. Inter took control with goals in each half and managed the game expertly as River grew more frustrated.

Tensions boil over: Acuña chases Dumfries after final whistle

The most controversial moment came after the final whistle, when Marcos Acuña of River Plate appeared to chase down Denzel Dumfries, seemingly looking to confront or even hit him. Throughout the match, the two players had been exchanging words, gestures, and challenges, creating an increasingly hostile atmosphere.

As soon as the referee blew for full-time, Dumfries quickly ran toward the tunnel, possibly sensing the situation was about to escalate. Acuña sprinted after him, but was intercepted by players from both teams, including teammates who tried to restrain him and Inter players trying to de-escalate the confrontation.

Fans throw glasses amid stadium chaos

As the tension unfolded on the pitch, fans in the stands began throwing glasses and cups toward the area near the players’ tunnel. Security and officials had to step in to calm both the squads and the crowd, while many River Plate fans voiced their anger and disappointment at the result and the team’s elimination.

Two red cards and a heated clash

The match itself was intensely physical, with River Plate receiving two red cards during the 90 minutes. Both dismissals contributed to their unraveling and growing frustration: Gonzalo Montiel and Lucas Martínez Quarta. The referee was busy throughout the match, as emotions flared on both sides and several players pushed the limits of acceptable conduct.