An afternoon of ordinary madness yesterday in Mexico during the football match of the Torneo Clausura between Queretaro and Atlas, suspended due to the violent clashes in the stands, then continued inside the Corregidora stadium.
The violence started in the stands, then the gates were opened to allow those not involved - many were children - to find a way out. And it was then, on the 18th minute of the second half, that the fans poured onto the pitch, giving life to even tougher clashes.
Referee Fernando Guerrero was therefore forced to interrupt the match to safeguard the safety of fans and players. The consequences are still not entirely clear: at least 22 people are injured, 9 in serious condition according to what the South American media reported. At first there was also talk of some deaths, news not yet confirmed.
"There are no reports of deaths, 22 people were injured, nine of which were taken to hospital and of these two are in critical condition", declared the Civil Protection of the state of Queretaro. The president of the Mexican League, Mikel Arriola, condemned the acts of violence: "The violence at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro is inadmissible and deplorable. There will be exemplary punishments. The safety of our players and fans is a priority".
The entire championship has been suspended, matches scheduled for today postponed.
(Unioneonline / L)