Mexican stadium shut after fans riot

Guadalajara city authorities closed the Jalisco stadium after fans clashed with police, leaving close to 40 people injured and 17 arrested after the local derby.

Fans of the Guadalajara Chivas, who had earlier lit dozens of flares, fought a running battle with outnumbered police on the upper terraces of the stadium near the end of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with bitter city rivals Atlas.

Television footage showed police helmets and truncheons flying through the air and officers pushed down the terraces by fans wearing red and white striped Guadalajara shirts.

“After revising the evidence we’re going to close the building,” Jesus Lomeli, general secretary of Guadalajara town hall, told reporters.

“Eight policemen are injured, two of them seriously though out of danger. There are 30 civilians hurt, one of them gravely but out of danger”.

Stadium gates closed

Lomeli said 17 people were arrested and media published photos of seals on the gates of the stadium in the city 530 km west of Mexico City with the word “Closed” on them.

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) expressed its support to Guadalajara city authorities in their search for the culprits.

“We reaffirm our commitment to a clean game inside and outside the grounds, the Federation will at all times support the investigation so as to identify and punish those responsible for such pitiful acts,” a FMF statement said.

The Chivas are seventh in the Clausura championship standings with 17 points from 12 matches.