An outburst of violence outside the Azteca Stadium slightly marred the World Cup’s opening game. Petrol bombs and bricks were hurled at Mexican police during pre-match unrest, with nearly 200 hooded individuals causing havoc. Dozens of arrests were made, and several officers were injured.
Clashes Erupt Before Kick-Off
Mexico’s opening World Cup victory party was somewhat tarnished by violent clashes outside the Azteca Stadium just before kick-off as ticketless fans and protesters attempted to gain access. Rocks and bottles were thrown at police outside gate eight, with local media reporting that dozens of arrests were made as a result.
While Mexico City police have been grappling with protests from teachers, retired judges and families of the country’s 130,000 disappeared all week in the buildup to the tournament, the disorder at the stadium did not appear to be politically motivated. A group of hooded men appeared intent on charging the gate – hurling bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles, which led to several police officers requiring medical treatment.
Police Bring Situation Under Control
“Nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters, but the situation was brought under control by the Metropolitan police,” a spokesperson for the secretary of citizen security in Mexico said. At least five different protest groups had converged on the stadium despite road closures for 2 miles around the perimeter, but fears that they may force the kick-off to be delayed proved unfounded.
A Fifa Fanfest event at the city’s central Zócalo square also took place as planned despite attempts from protest groups to get the gathering cancelled. The Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, did not attend the game as she gave her ticket away to a 21-year-old lottery winner.
