体坛英语新闻：Conmebol vows "severe" penalties after players attack riot

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 4 (Xinhua) -- South American football's governing body Conmebol has vowed to issue "severe" penalties after a Copa Libertadores match on Wednesday ended with a violent confrontation between players and armed riot police.

The standoff occurred after the final whistle of Atletico Mineiro's 5-2 victory over Argentina's Arsenal de Sarandi in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte.

A group of players from the visiting side vented their anger at a cordon of armed police, who had formed a protective barrier around the match officials.

After being kicked and struck with objects, police responded by aiming rubber bullet guns at the Arsenal players.

Conmebol secretary general Jose Luis Meiszner condemned the actions.

"What they did is unforgivable and it must not be repeated," Meiszner said.

"The penalties applied to the clubs at the tribunals will be well publicized so that everybody knows that this is a very serious matter."

A policewoman and journalist were reportedly injured in the clashes while Arsenal players are said to have destroyed the visitors' dressing room at the Arena Independencia after the match.

Eight Arsenal players were held in police custody on Wednesday night and released on Thursday morning after paying a fine of 15,000 U.S. dollars.

Atletico Mineiro, who were inspired by a two-goal effort from former Barcelona idol Ronaldinho, are top of their group with five wins from as many matches while Arsenal de Sarandi are third with just one win and a draw.

The Copa Libertadores, considered the continent's most prestigious club competition, features the best teams from South America and Mexico.