The Mexican Soccer Federation released a statement saying that they regretted and condemned the events. Three matches were cancelled for Sunday because of the suspension.
After multiple fights broke out, Saturday’s match was halted in the 62nd minutes. To allow fans to escape, security personnel opened the gates on the field.
Queretaro state officials stated that 23 people were still in hospital. Ten of them were in serious condition, while three others were in critical condition.
These could have been the men who were unconscious, badly beaten or thrown to the ground by being repeatedly kicked and pummeled on videos shared on social media.
FIFA, the international soccer governing organization, stated in a statement that they were “shocked by the tragic incident at La Corregidora stadium, Queretaro, during the fixture between Queretaro & Atlas.”
“FIFA joins Concacaf (the North American soccer association) and the Mexican Football Association in condemning this barbaric act and encouraging local authorities to swiftly bring justice to the perpetrators. The statement stated that our thoughts were with all those who have suffered its consequences.
Queretaro Gov. Sunday’s statement by Mauricio Kuri: “What happened yesterday fills my with pain, shame, and a lot rage.” I don’t have the words to express my disgust at the violence, abuse and senselessness that occurred yesterday.
Players from Atlas fled the scene quickly, as did others from Queretaro. Washington Aguerre (the Uruguayan goalie) was among the Queretaro players who remained near the bench to try and calm the fans.
After a while, some fights were moved to the grass where they continued their punching and kicks. Some were armed with metal bars and chairs.
One fan was seen using a knife to slice the nets for one goal. Some others destroyed the bench of one side, while others fought in tunnels leading to the field.
The headline of El Universal’s Mexican newspaper on Sunday read “The darkest day in Mexican soccer.”
Mexico’s stadiums are home to violence between rival soccer fans.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco State, is where Atlas was last seen fighting with its supporters. Last year, the “classic”, which was paired with Chivas crosstown rivals, saw a brawl among the stands.
Rafael Marquez, who was a former captain and coach of the Mexican national soccer team, said that “Unfortunately, Queretaro is experiencing something in my country.”
Kuri condemned the violence, and stated that Queretaro club owners would be held responsible for the events. Kuri also promised to investigate whether the authorities or any other person were negligent in not quelling violence.
He stated, “I have given instructions for the law to be applied with all its consequences.” Both sides issued statements condemning violence.
Mikel Arriola is the president of MX League. He said that it will likely use biometric or facial recognition systems in stadiums to identify troublemakers.
Arriola stated that digital security measures must be implemented to identify who attends, beginning with the barras, which refers to fan clubs that are frequently involved in violence.
Arriola stated that he would suggest Tuesday at a club owner meeting that these clubs be excluded from away matches.
The state authorities claimed that some police officers were present at the stadium but that most of them were private security personnel. Video footage from the match showed that the majority of the security officers were female, and failed to stop fights.
Guadalupe Murguia (state interior secretary) said that “if the company (soccer club) doesn’t have enough officers, or they lack training we will work to hold them accountable.”
Mexico has large numbers of police who provide security for soccer matches.
Gov. Kuri said.
