As live sports events make a comeback worldwide stirring tons of excitement, especially in Cape Town with the Rugby World Cup Sevens coming up, people around the globe were shocked to hear and see the gruesome happenings during a soccer match in central Mexico.
Also read: Rugby World Cup Sevens tickets almost sold out, proving that fans are ready for live sports
The Liga MX game in the city of Querétaro saw the city’s team take on opposition Atlas at the Corregidora Stadium. Chaos grew as fans of the respective teams began acting violently toward one another. 26 people were reportedly injured, with three in critical condition reports CNN. Other reports claim that some people lost their lives in the massive brawl dubbed the darkest day for Mexican football. Daily Mail reports that 17 people were killed according to local reports.
The violence caused so much panic in the crowds that people even ran onto the field. The match was stopped a little over an hour of game time. Security reportedly opened the stadium’s gates so that people could flee the chaos.
Kicking, beating and people being dragged across the concrete outside ensued as per The New York Times. It’s been reported that a shirtless man was even whipped and that a fan even took out a knife to cut the goal’s netting.
WATCH: Brutal scenes during the Mexican soccer match
?⚽️ Disturbing and dark scenes in Mexico as a major brawl occured between the fans of Queretaro and Atlas. 22 people were injured, including two critically, and its been said their was killings too.
— @ESPNnl pic.twitter.com/yyejWOKPtA
— Your Football News (@YFNews) March 6, 2022
#BREAKING: Mexico Soccer Riot : Another video from #LaCorregidora stadium. #Atlanta #Mexico #Queretaro #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/skZ2lah6kr
— JUST IN | World (@justinbroadcast) March 6, 2022
At least 22 injured, including two in a critical condition, following fan violence at a soccer game between Atlas and Querétaro in Liga MX (Mexico)
The match was suspended after fans stepped onto the pitch and fights broke out.pic.twitter.com/XakHaoXWF2
— Wirjil (@Wirjil) March 6, 2022
In response to the happenings, football organisation FIFA and the governor of Querétaro State shared their respective views on Twitter.
The governor, Mauricio Kuri expressed that he knows the images of the stadium are disturbing, and that “we are not going to hide anything.”
He has issued updates on the well-being of those injured, and indicated that those who need to be punished will be punished.
“FIFA is shocked at the tragic incident that took place at La Corregidora stadium in the city of Queretaro during the fixture between Queretaro and Atlas,” FIFA said in a statement.
“The violence was unacceptable and intolerable. 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.”
Some football fans have even urged that the 2026 World Cup be taken away from Mexico.
Also read:
‘Ancestral calling’ allegedly leaves group of girls violently ill at another Cape Town school
Picture: Sergio Gonzalez | AP