Sports

Queretaro ordered to play behind closed doors for a YEAR after sickening riots

By Chris Hughes

TOP Mexican side Queretaro have been ordered to play behind closed doors for a YEAR after sickening riots which left fans fighting for their lives.

The owners of the Liga MX side have also been ordered to sell the club after shocking brawls in the clash with Atlas.

Violence spilled on the field as rival fans clashed

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Violence spilled on the field as rival fans clashedCredit: EPA
Weapons were used as fighting continued on the terraces and in the concourses and tunnels around the stadium

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Weapons were used as fighting continued on the terraces and in the concourses and tunnels around the stadiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Families from both sets of clubs were forced to flee the arena

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Families from both sets of clubs were forced to flee the arenaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Some players attempted to calm the chaos

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Some players attempted to calm the chaosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The Guardian report Queretaro will play their home games in an empty stadium for a year, while the management team has been banned from any future roles and fined around £55k.

Their match against last season’s champions was abandoned after 62 minutes after the bloody riot spilled from the terraces on to the pitch.

It was initially reported locally that as many as 17 fans were killed but latest figures suggest that 26 people were injured, with many in critical condition.

Fans were seen to be wielding chairs and metal bars as unconscious bodies were beaten and kicked.

Security staff opened stadium doors so that fans – including women and children – could escape.

Players attempted to calm supporters as chaos erupted around them.

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The game was called off and Sunday’s remaining matches were suspended, while a peace ceremony was held afterwards appealing for calm.

Liga MX have blocked away fans from attending indefinitely.

Executive president of the league Mikel Arriola, said: “From today away fans will not be able to go to the stadiums.”

Queretaro have been slammed for a lack of local police and security presence, despite the predictable violence between the sets of rival fans.

Arriola said: “Those responsible for the lack of security in the stadium will be punished in an exemplary manner.

“The safety of our players and fans is a priority.”

The country is due to co-host the 2026 World Cup with the US and Canada.

The Mexican Soccer Federation released a statement which read: “We regret and condemn these events, which run contrary to the spirit of our soccer.”

Fans of Atlas ask for peace after brutal scenes in Mexican football

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Fans of Atlas ask for peace after brutal scenes in Mexican footballCredit: Getty
An Atlas fan lights a candle at the peace ceremony

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An Atlas fan lights a candle at the peace ceremonyCredit: Getty

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Chris Hughes