A MX League match between Querétaro and the reigning champion of the Atlas league in Mexico Saturday resulted in a massive fan brawl that left at least 26 people hospitalized, CNN reports.
Mauricio Kuri, the governor of Querétaro state, has confirmed that 24 men and two women were injured when a fight broke out in the second half at the Corregidora stadium. Of those hospitalized, the governor said 10 suffered minor injuries and three are currently in “critical” condition.
Mexican authorities have suspended five officials following the violent scuffle, per ABC News.
“What happened yesterday fills me with pain, shame and a lot of rage,” Kuri said in a statement on Sunday. “I don’t have words strong enough to condemn the violence, abuse and senselessness of what happened yesterday.”
Saturday’s game was suspended at the 62n/a minute when multiple fights broke out in the stands before spilling onto the pitch. Photos and videos shared on social media showed people being beaten with chairs, metal bars, knives, belts.
Fifa—the Fédération Internationale de Football Association— has published a declaration a day after violence erupted at the Corregidora stadium.
“FIFA is shocked by the tragic incident that occurred at La Corregidora stadium in the city of Querétaro during the match between Querétaro and Atlas,” the organization wrote. “The violence was unacceptable and intolerable. FIFA joins the Mexican Football Federation and Concacaf in condemning this barbaric incident and encouraging local authorities to bring swift justice to those responsible.
FIFA added: “Our hearts go out to all those who suffered its consequences. Once again, FIFA would like to emphasize that violence should absolutely have no place in football and we will continue to work with all parties to eradicate it from our game.”
