KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Prosecutors in Queretaro, central Mexico, have opened an investigation into allegations of attempted murder after at least 22 people were injured, some seriously, in a fight between local fans and those of champions Atlas de Guadalajara on Saturday.

The Mexican league suspended all matches scheduled for the rest of the weekend. World federation FIFA condemned the violence.

The match was suspended in the 62nd minute and later abandoned after fan violence which began in the stands and spread onto the pitch and involved the use of seats, sticks, belts etc. Defenceless fans were beaten unconscious as players ran for refuge in the dressing rooms.

In a brief statement the Querétaro Prosecutor’s Office reported that “an investigation folder has been initiated for the crimes of attempted murder and violence at sports events, for events that occurred at the Corregidora stadium.”

The governor of Querétaro, Mauricio Kuri, confirmed that 22 people were being treated in the general hospital and refuted claims of deaths. He denied that any fans had died.

Mikel Arriola, president of the Mexican Liga BBVA, said: “As of today, visiting team fans will not be able to attend matches, an order which will be ratified by the next meeting of club owners.”

Arriola sidestepped questions about whether the violence could endanger Mexico’s status as one of the hosts, along with the United States and Canada, of the 2026 World Cup finals.

World federation FIFA described the violence as “unacceptable and intolerable.”

A statement added: “FIFA joins the Mexican Football Association and Concacaf in condemning this barbaric incident and encouraging the local authorities to bring swift justice to those responsible. Our thoughts are with all those who suffered its consequences.

“Once again FIFA would like to stress that violence should have absolutely no place in football and we will continue working with all parties to eradicate it from our game.”

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