The World Cup erupted in flames moments after kick-off as hooded protesters hurled petrol bombs, rocks, bins, bananas, and plant pots at riot police. The violence broke out shortly after the start of Mexico’s opening group match against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, renamed Mexico Stadium for the tournament.
Violent Clashes Erupt
Molotov cocktails exploded on the road near police horses outside the stadium. One female officer required emergency treatment for a badly cut head. A lorry parked near the stadium was vandalised. Armed police charged the rioters and made dozens of arrests. Security guards used fire extinguishers to blast protesters.
The main clash involved hooded rioters battling with police as they attempted to enter Gate 8 of the stadium during the match, which Mexico won 2-0. Video footage showed fencing being launched as riot police charged with shields to push protesters back. Up to 1,000 protesters were involved in the violence.
Background of Protests
Teachers complaining about pay had threatened to disrupt the start of the World Cup. However, the danger appeared to have fizzled out as fans turned the build-up into a three-mile-long street party. But moments after the game started, violence erupted.
During the game, the Secretariat of Citizen Security in Mexico said the situation had calmed. “Following the events that occurred in the vicinity of the Estadio De México in which nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters, the situation was brought under control by personnel from the metropolitan police,” the force said.
Security Measures
More than 10,000 police officers threw a ring of steel around the stadium to snuff out any threat of protests. Roads were closed to create a mile-wide exclusion zone. Only fans showing tickets for the opening match were allowed inside. At least five campaign groups – including representatives of families of Mexico’s 130,000 missing and teachers – had been planning demonstrations. It remains unclear who the protesters involved in the violence were. Last week, teachers tore down large plastic statues of footballers in the city centre.
