TWO people have been killed and more than 20 more taken to hospital after a bloody riot broke out during a Mexican soccer match between Queretaro and Atlas.
The brawls broke out about an hour into the top-flight clash at Corregidora Stadium on Saturday.
It was initially feared that multiple fans may have been killed after local reports in Mexico claimed as many as 17 were dead.
But officials from the Coordination of Civil Protection of the State of Querétaro later clarified that 22 people were transported to hospitals, with two dead.
“The rest are stable. It should be mentioned that all of those injured are male and at this moment it’s been confirmed that four were from the state of Jalisco.”
Queretaro was losing 1-0 after a goal by Julio Furch when the chaos broke out, according to reports.
The game had to be suspended in the 62nd minute.
Multiple reports indicate fans rushed the field and began attacking each other.
Some were using chairs and metal bars as weapons.
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Players on the field fled to their respective locker rooms, while security guards opened the gates to the field where families with young children could be seen running to safety.
Liga MX is the top professional football division within the Mexican football system.
Mikel Arriola, President of Liga MX, released a statement via Twitter that has been translated to English.
“Unacceptable and unfortunate violence at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro.
“Those responsible for the lack of security in the stadium will be punished in an exemplary manner. The safety of our players and fans is a priority!”
“The Mexican Football Federation regrets and condemns the events that occurred this afternoon at Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro, in the match between Queretaro and Atlas,” read a Mexican Football Federation statement.
“Football must be a space of healthy coexistence where any type of violence is inadmissible.
“The FMF will monitor and assist in the investigation process with the corresponding instances so that those responsible are sanctioned in an exemplary manner.”
Queretaro insisted they would cooperate fully with all investigations.
“We roundly condemn the events that occurred at Estadio Corregidora,” read a club statement.
“We are in full communication and coordination with the authorities so that they can act quickly against anyone responsible.
“As an institution we condemn violence of any kind.”
Atlas echoed those calls, insisting football must be able to promote family values.
“Atlas FC regrets and disapproves of the events that took place in Estadio Corregidora,” read the Atlas statement.
“Soccer must be an ally to promote values and fun for the whole family.
“We request the pertinent authorities, the Liga BBVA MX and the FMF, to investigate thoroughly and reach the ultimate consequences, determining the responsibilities of those who are involved, and applying the full force of the law.”
Liga XM also announced that a full investigation would be taking place.
Atlas is the reigning league champion. The two teams have had a bitter rivalry for decades.
La Corregidora stadium is located in Querétaro City in central Mexico.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
