updated 1:22 p.m. ET May 12, 2005

BOGOTA, Colombia - A fan died when he was stabbed and tossed from the upper deck of a stadium during fighting among rival spectators that left 23 others wounded in the nation’s worst soccer violence in more than a year.

The mayhem started Wednesday night when a fan rushed past a security barrier and punched the referee in the face.

Three of the wounded were in serious condition, and the rest were treated at the scene. Two police officers were among those slightly injured. National Police Chief Gen. Jorge Daniel Castro said Thursday several suspects have been arrested.

The fighting forced officials to abandon the first-division game at Bogota’s El Campin stadium with four minutes left. America de Cali was leading hometown Santa Fe 5-2.

About 100 Santa Fe fans angry over the referee’s calls broke down two security doors and rushed the field before being stopped by baton-wielding police, firefighters said.

Moments after referee Fernando Panesso was struck, the crowd of 100 stormed the field while others threw bottles and other objects.

Violence, usually fueled by alcohol, is common at Colombian soccer games. But the death of 20-year-old Edison Andres Garzon was the first since a 15-year-old fan was fatally stabbed during a February game last year in the western city of Armenia.

The police chief met with the officers involved and announced an investigation into how the fan who attacked the referee eluded security despite 700 police officers in and around the stadium. Castro also promised to boost security at soccer stadiums.

“We are going to reinforce the fences, reinforce the doors and control the hooligans,” he said.

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