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 Fans of the Guadalajara Chivas, who had earlier lit dozens of
flares, fought a running battle with outnumbered police on the upper
terraces of the stadium near the end of Saturday's 1-1 draw with
bitter city rivals Atlas.
Television footage showed police helmets and truncheons flying
through the air and officers pushed down the terraces by fans
wearing red and white striped Guadalajara shirts.
"We're going to proceed according to the regulations. After revising
the evidence we're going to close the building," Jesus Lomeli,
general secretary of Guadalajara town hall, told reporters.
Lomeli said 17 people were arrested and media published photos of
seals on the gates of the stadium in the city 530 km west of Mexico
City with the word "Closed" on them.
"Eight policemen are injured, two of them seriously though out of
danger. There are 30 civilians hurt, one of them gravely but out of
danger. They are being treated at various hospitals," Lomeli said.
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) expressed its support to
Guadalajara city authorities in their search for the culprits.
"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," a FMF statement said.
Guadalajara took an early lead through striker Aldo De Nigris but
Paraguayan Jose Ortigoza equalized in the 72nd minute for home side
Atlas.
The Chivas are seventh in the Clausura championship standings with
17 points from 12 matches and Atlas 12th with 14.
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Leaders Cruz Azul were held to a 0-0 draw at title holders Leon, who
had Mexico's veteran World Cup captain and former Barcelona defender
Rafael Marquez sent off in the closing minutes for a second booking.
Cruz Azul have 29 points from their 12 matches, a four-point lead
over second-placed Toluca who were looking to close the gap with a
win at Atlante later on Sunday.
The top eight qualify for the knockout phase at the end of the
17-match league stage.
(Reporting by Carlos Calvo; writing by Rex Gowar; editing by Justin
Palmer and Greg Stutchbury)
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