26 fans injured in clash during Mexican league match
At least 26 people were injured in a brawl between fans during a suspended Mexican soccer league match in Queretaro, authorities announced Sunday.
The clashes erupted in the 63rd minute of the match between Queretaro and its guest Atlas at the "La Corregidoroa" stadium in Queretaro.
As some fans, including families and children, tried to escape, the clashes spread to the field, causing players to flee in search of shelter.
Queretaro state governor Mauricio Corrie said Sunday that of the 26 people who were taken to hospital, three have been discharged, but "three of them are in serious condition, 10 are in critical condition and the rest are not in critical condition."
"Even if there are no fatalities, we cannot say that this is not a tragedy," he added.
FIFA issued a statement describing the violence as "unacceptable and unacceptable".
"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," a statement from the international body said.
Clashes erupted in the stands and the few security guards on the field forced the fans to flee onto the pitch, causing the match to be immediately halted.
However, chaos and clashes continued, and footage showed that a video assistant referee (VAR) camera had been destroyed.
The Mexican League announced the suspension of all matches scheduled for Sunday in the framework of the ninth stage.
The players returned to the dressing room while Queretaro was leading 1-0.
"Those responsible for the lack of security measures in the stadium will be punished in an exemplary way," the association's president, Mikel Areola, responded.
In a statement, Atlas Club called for an investigation to be opened to determine responsibility for the violence.
Queretaro FC also condemned these acts of violence in its stadium.
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada.
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