(Reuters) – The U.S. Soccer Federation has acquired assurances from Mexican Football Federation officers that gamers and fans can be secure throughout a World Cup qualifier between the groups in Mexico City this month after violent clashes marred a Mexican league game.
A brawl between supporters at a stadium within the central metropolis of Queretaro in the course of the Queretaro-Atlas encounter final Saturday despatched 26 individuals, most of them males, to hospital with three individuals in crucial situation.
Mobile telephone movies that went viral and sparked outrage in Mexico and past confirmed individuals being brutally overwhelmed.
“As we put together for our World Cup qualifier … at Estadio Azteca on March 24, we need to pause to specific our ideas over the insufferable and horrific tragedy that occurred at a league match,” the U.S. Soccer Federation stated in a press release.
“U.S. Soccer has spoken to Mexican Football Federation officers, who’ve assured us that U.S. and Mexican fans, groups and gamers will safely expertise one of many world’s largest nationwide workforce rivalries in sports activities, as has been the case at Estadio Azteca for previous matches.
“We really feel strongly that the ache ensuing from the heartbreaking violence at Estadio Corregidora just isn’t Mexico’s alone to bear. While we’re opponents on the sector of play, it is essential to keep in mind that soccer is a worldwide neighborhood, and our bond transcends rivalries, competitors and outcomes.”
With three video games to go in qualifying, Canada lead the eight-team CONCACAF group with 25 factors, 4 forward of the United States and Mexico.
The high three mechanically qualify for Qatar 2022 with the fourth-placed aspect going into a global playoff.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Robert Birsel)
