Seventeen fans were killed, and at least 26 people were seriously injured in a brawl that occurred in a Mexican soccer game held on March 5th.
The ‘sportskeeda’ stated that the ugly fight took place at the 34,130-capacity Corregidora Stadium in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, where a Liga MX (the top professional football division of the Mexican football league system) game was taking place between Querétaro F.C. and Atlas F.C. Both the teams were forced to abandon the second half of the game due to the bloody brawl.
In a latest development, the ‘MARCA’ stated that the Liga MX Owners’ Assembly approved measures to punish Querétaro and Atlas fans, who staged a bloody brawl at the Corregidora Stadium on March 5th.
Mikel Arriola, Liga MX President, described the sanctions as “historic decisions”. Yon de Luisa, the Mexican Soccer Federation (FMF) President, condemned the events and announced immediate sanctions against the top-flight club Querétaro F.C.
The ‘MARCA’ further quoted de Luisa as stating in a presser, “We gave the clubs the right to a hearing. We heard testimonies from stewards and others involved. From the evidence collected, it was proven that there were omissions by the private security company, police officers and Querétaro F.C., which was responsible for hiring them. I have been in communication with the presidency of FIFA and CONCACAF. Both organizations condemned the events.”
The ‘sportskeeda’ further stated that the match was suspended after fights broke out across multiple stands. Men were seen tearing off jerseys from rival supporters. Security proceeded to open the front gates to the field so that fans, women and children could escape.
Social media recordings showed bloodied fans with some stripped naked as well. Fans were seen kicking unresponsive people lying on the ground as well. One fan was seen pulling a knife in an attempt to cut the nets off the goal.
Querétaro sanctions
- Loses the match by 0-3;
- One year playing all home games behind closed doors;
- Women’s category and basic forces will also play behind closed doors;
- A fine of 1 million 500 thousand pesos; and
- Querétaro’s cheering group is banned from attending home games for three years and one year for away games.
Atlas sanctions
- The Atlas cheering group will not attend as visitors for six months.
When the sanctions are fulfilled, professional soccer will be able to return to Querétaro.
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