The Mexican national soccer team had a rough Friday night, falling to Honduras, 2-0, in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. But that quickly proved to be the least of their concerns as head coach Javier Aguirre suffered a brutal injury at the hands of the rowdy fans.
As Aguirre gathered his belongings and headed for the customary post-match handshake with Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda, the Francisco Morazán Stadium fans began tossing bottles, cans, and garbage onto the field.
One of the cans struck Aguirre directly in the head and blood began to pour from his scalp.
¡PESIMA SEGURIDAD Y ORGANIZACIÓN! ❌
Javier Aguirre se llevó un fuerte golpe con una lata de cerveza lanzada desde las gradas lo que provocó que se le abriera la cabeza y terminara sangrando 🇲🇽
NO HAY LUGAR PARA LA VIOLENCIA EN EL FUTBOL #RivalidadAzteca pic.twitter.com/8XT7Dozgfn
— TV Azteca Deportes (@AztecaDeportes) November 16, 2024
To his credit, Aguirre initially acted like nothing had happened. He brushed off the shot to his dome before he began to feel the blood. Even then, he proceeded with the handshake and carried on as if it were business as usual.
After the match, Aguirre continued with his indifference, telling reporters that it was no big deal.
“Nothing, nothing, it’s football,” the 65-year-old said, via ESPN.
Aguirre also expressed “solidarity with the people of Honduras who are suffering from tropical storm Sara.”
Despite Aguirre attempting to downplay the situation, the Mexican Football Federation issued a strong statement condemning the fans’ actions.
“The FMF unequivocally condemns the acts of violence that occurred tonight at the Francisco Morazán stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Such behavior has no place in our sport,” they said in a statement.
“We demand that CONCACAF take immediate and decisive action to address this matter in accordance with its regulations. Soccer should be a celebration, not a battleground. We urge all parts, including institutions, managers, players, fans, and the media, to work together to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.”
Rueda echoed those sentiments, saying things like that “can’t happen.”
