4 killed & dozens injured after 600 fights break out during Copa Libertadores victory celebrations

Four soccer fans were killed in the Colombian city Medellin during celebrations following local side Atletico Nacional's victory in Wednesday night's Copa Libertadores final.

The Colombian team claimed their second South American title after Miguel Angel Borja's early goal secured a 2-1 aggregate victory over Ecuador's Independiente del Valle.

The result spark wild scenes with police reporting four deaths and dozens of injuries while over 100 people arrested.

More than 600 fights broke out as fans from Nacional's rivals in the city of Medellin took to the streets to confront the celebrating supporters.

One of those killed was wearing a rival Medellin club's shirt when he was slashed in the neck with a knife. Nacional fans are also said to have attacked other fans in the Colombian capital Bogota.

The Copa Libertadores and South American soccer in general have been marred by violence in recent years.

Boca Juniors were kicked out of the tournament after its fans sprayed River Plate players with an irritant substance during the pair's last-16 tie in 2015.

A Bolivian fan was killed by a flare fired by supporters of Brazilian club Corinthians back in 2013, while an average of five people died each year from fan related violence in Argentina between 2000 and 2009 according to football reform group, Salvemos del Futbol.

There have also been numerous stadium closures after managers, players and officials were attacked, while police are often called upon to contain rioting fans with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Violence isn't always exclusive to the fans, as highlighted in 2013 when at least four players from the Argentinian club, Arsenal, were detained after a confrontation with Brazilian police.

Players threw punches and kicked officers who were trying to protect the match officials as the final whistle blew at the Independencia Stadium.