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A Mexican soccer match has been abandoned after rioting that has reportedly left at least 22 people injured and some feared dead in the city of Querétaro.
Fans of Querétaro, the local club, invaded the field and attacked opposing fans, with some images showing women and children fleeing the field as bodies lay motionless.
Fans were said to have attacked anyone in the blue and red colours of Atlas, with some images showing people stripped to the waist having removed their shirts to avoid being identified.
The match was called off after an hour with Atlas leading 1-0. Most players raced from the field for the safety of the dressing rooms, though some Querétaro players remained on the pitch to remonstrate with fans.
Fans initially spilled onto the pitch as gates were opened to allow them to escape the terraces, before the violence spread onto the field.
Mexican TV reported 17 deaths, though this is yet to be confirmed. Other media reports said that at least 22 people were injured, some seriously, with some citing numbers over 40.
Videos on social media showed Querétaro supporters wielding chairs and sticks against rival fans as violence consumed the stadium.
Some reports said that police had been stationed outside the ground as fighting raged within.
“So far there is no report of deaths; 22 people injured, nine of them taken to the General Hospital and of these, two are critical,” said a statement from local authorities. “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 (where Atlas are based).”
All football in Mexico, both male and female, was suspended in the wake of the incidents. Liga MX president Mikel Arriola released a statement on the incident, saying: “Unacceptable and unfortunate violence in the Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro.
“Those responsible for the lack of security in the stadium will be punished as an example. The safety of our players and fans is priority! We will continue reporting.”
Mauricio Kuri, the governor of Querétaro State, tweeted: “I strongly condemn today’s violence at the Corregidora Stadium. I have given instructions to apply the law with all its consequences.”
All football in Mexico, both male and female, was suspended in the wake of the incidents. Liga MX president Mikel Arriola released a statement on the ince
Unacceptable and unfortunate violence in the Estadio Corregidora in Querétaro. Those responsible for the lack of security in the stadium will be punished as an example. The safety of our players and fans is priority! We will continue reporting.
Mauricio Kuri, the governor of Querétaro State, tweeted: “I strongly condemn today’s violence at the Corregidora Stadium. I have given instructions to apply the law with all its consequences. In Querétaro there is no impunity.”
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