A top-flight football match in Mexico was abandoned on Saturday after a gun battle erupted just outside the stadium in Torreon. Players from Santos Laguna and Monarcas Morelia fled to the dressing rooms, and fans took cover as shots were fired during the 40th minute of the scoreless game.
Gunmen opened fire on security forces at a checkpoint near the TSM stadium, home of Santos, injuring one police officer. Around 20,000 spectators were present, but no one inside the stadium was hurt. Authorities reported that the shooting began after three vehicles carrying armed men failed to stop.
Santos chairman Alejandro Irarragorri, accompanied by his goalkeeper, went onto the pitch to address the crowd. He said, 'In the Santos club, we feel bad for the time in which we are living. It is evident that the game will be suspended. You can be assured that we will try to control these situations. We are sorry for Morelia, the referees and those who are visiting us from elsewhere.'
Drug-related violence in northern Mexico has claimed thousands of lives in recent years, but it is unclear if this shooting was linked to organised crime. Since President Felipe Calderon deployed troops to fight drug cartels in December 2006, more than 35,000 Mexicans have been killed. This is believed to be the first time a top-flight football match has been abandoned due to violence under Calderon's presidency.
