Jalisco stadium closed after Chivas fans clash with police

Guadalajara authorities have closed the Estadio Jalisco soccer stadium following violent clashes between hooligans and police in Saturday’s game between local rivals Chivas and Atlas.

Seventeen people were arrested and at least 30 civilians and eight police officers were injured in the brawl, which began when the Chivas ultras – known in Mexico as barras – started throwing flares from the upper tier toward the end of the Clasico Tapatio, which finished one goal apiece.

Television footage showed chaotic scenes as unruly Chivas fans outnumbered the police and brutally beat several officers, leaving two seriously injured. Another video posted on YouTube also showed police officers aggressively manhandling fans.

“After revising the evidence we’re going to close the building,” Jesus Lomeli, general secretary of the Guadalajara municipal government, told reporters the following day. The Estadio Jalisco is home to Club Atlas, who used to share the stadium with Chivas de Guadalajara before the latter side moved across town to the Estadio Omnilife in 2010. It is unclear if the Estadio Jalisco will be reopened in time for Atlas’ next home game against Puebla on April 5, or where that match will take place if not.

Chivas can also expect heavy sanctions for its supporters’ role in the violence. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has issued a statement of support for the Guadalajara authorities, declaring, “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.”

Violencia en el Estadio Jalisco. En la imagen, aficionados de las Chivas golpean en el suelo a un policía municipal. pic.twitter.com/STedHe2fUw

— Proyecto Diez (@ProyectoDiez) March 23, 2014

In response to the bloody scenes, Chivas announced that is has banned all members of official supporter groups that are found to be responsible from attending games. The decision comes just a week before Chivas hosts its other bitter rival, Club America, in next Sunday’s Super Clasico.

“Following the shameful acts that occurred during the Clasico Tapatio, Club Deportivo Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. informs that it will investigate with photos, videos, and witnesses who were the responsible ones for the assault on the police officers. We will put our resources to make sure these individuals never go inside a Mexican soccer stadium ever again,” read an official Chivas press release. “In addition the club also announces that it has banned all members of organized supporter groups that were issued credentials at the start of this season if they are found to be responsible. This will take immediate effect for the upcoming Clasico against Club America.”

#UDLigaMx Foto: La violencia al final del #ClásicoTapatío ya tuvo consecuencias: el Estadio Jalisco fue CLAUSURADO pic.twitter.com/7pZEKMRn7J — Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) March 23, 2014