"As of today, supporters of visiting clubs will not be able to enter the stadiums," League president Mikel Arriola told a press conference at La Corregidora stadium in Querétaro, where the clashes broke out. incident on Saturday evening.

The clashes in the stands started in the 63rd minute of the first division match between the local club and Atlas (Guadalajara).

Overwhelmed, the few security guards present in the stadium allowed the public to take refuge on the lawn, which caused the immediate cessation of the meeting.

On the field, supporters continued to fight, while families with children tried to protect themselves.

The players then returned to the locker room.

Querétaro led 1-0 against Atlas, the outgoing champions of the last opening tournament.

"The toll of these events at present is 26 injured people, 24 men and two women, who required medical treatment in the hospital", detailed the governor of the state of Querétaro, Mauricio Kuri, during a meeting. 'a press conference.

Other matches suspended

"Of the 23 still hospitalized, three are in serious condition," said the governor, who also acknowledged that the security forces were insufficient and had not acted quickly enough.

The International Football Federation, which has entrusted the organization of its 2026 World Cup to Mexico, in partnership with the United States and Canada, protested on Sunday against this "unacceptable and intolerable" violence.

“Fifa joins the Mexican Federation and Concacaf (Confederation of North America, Central America and the Caribbean) in condemning this barbaric incident and encouraging local authorities to quickly bring those responsible to justice,” adds- she in a statement.

The Mexican Football League has meanwhile announced the suspension of the other matches of the ninth day of the championship which were to take place at the end of the weekend.

"Those responsible for the lack of security measures in the stadium will be punished in an exemplary manner," promised League President Mikel Arriola.

A supporter throws a can in the direction of others during the league match between Querétaro and Atlas on March 5, 2022 in Querétaro, central Mexico EDUARDO GOMEZ AFP/Archives

"The law must be applied firmly," said Enrique Alfaro, governor of the state of Jalisco, where the Atlas club is located, in a video posted on social networks.

The Querétaro club also condemned the violence.

Football fans, interviewed by AFP, believe that we must go further.

"What irritates me the most is that the management of the Mexican Football Federation does nothing, they say that they are going to sanction, but more drastic, more severe decisions are needed", regrets Ricardo, a student 27-year-old who refused to give his last name.

"It's very sad, normally families go to see a football match at the stadium with the guarantee that they will not lose their lives," said 36-year-old engineer David Rocha.

© 2022 AFP