At least 26 injured as fights break out among fans at Mexican soccer game
By Homero De La Fuente, CNN
A mass brawl broke out in the stands of a soccer game in Mexico on Saturday and left at least 26 people injured, two of whom are in a serious condition.
The Liga MX game between Querétaro and Atlas was abandoned in the second half as fights ensued in the Corregidora stadium.
According to Mauricio Kuri, the governor of the state of Querétaro, 24 men and two women were injured. Of those, Kuri said 10 sustained minor injuries and three were deemed in “critical” condition.
Photos from the game show fans, some of whom appear bloodied, brawling on the field and in the stands, throwing punches and hitting each other with objects.
“We utterly condemn the events that occurred today at the Corregidora stadium,” said a statement from Querétaro.
“We are in communication and coordination with authorities so that they act swiftly against anyone responsible for these events. As an institution, we condemn violence of any kind. We will keep updating.”
Atlas, the reigning champion of Liga MX, was winning 1-0 when the game was suspended.
“Atlas FC regrets and condemns the events that took place at the Corregidora stadium,” the club said in a statement.
“Soccer must promote values and fun for the whole family. We ask that the appropriate authorities, the BBVA Mexico league and the FMF [Mexican Football Federation], thoroughly investigate up until the ultimate consequences, determine responsibilities for those involved and apply the full force of the law.”
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The FMF said Saturday an investigation had been opened into the events during the game to “analyze and determine what appropriate measures should be taken.”
Liga MX president Mikel Arriola also said the league’s remaining ninth-round games scheduled for Sunday have been postponed in solidarity with those affected by the incidents in Querétaro.
In a statement released later on Sunday, FIFA said it was “shocked at the tragic incident” that took place inside the stadium.
“The violence was unacceptable and intolerable,” the statement read. “FIFA joins the Mexican Football Association and Concacaf in condemning this barbaric incident and encouraging the local authorities to bring swift justice to those responsible.
“Our thoughts are with all those who suffered its consequences. Once again FIFA would like to stress that violence should have absolutely no place in football and we will continue working with all parties to eradicate it from our game.”
CONCACAF, the governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean, said Sunday’s “shocking acts of vandalism and violence … have no place in football or society.”
“The thoughts of everyone at Concacaf are with the victims of these awful events, and their families,” the statement read.
“Concacaf wholly condemns these types of behaviors. We call on the local authorities to fully investigate these criminal acts, and to hold accountable those who have tarnished our game.
“The Confederation also believes that strong football sanctions must be applied and will provide any necessary support to the FMF and Liga MX as they investigate.”
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CNN’s Karol Saurez, Claudia Dominguez and Wayne Sterling contributed to reporting.
