There has been a scandal in the Nations League of North and Central America. After the final whistle between Honduras and Mexico (2-0), Mexico’s national coach Javier Aguirre was hit on the head by a beer can.
After the final whistle in San Pedro Sula, some spectators began throwing objects onto the pitch. Aguirre was hit on the head by a beer can. The 65-year-old suffered a laceration that bled heavily. Nevertheless, Aguirre continued on the pitch to congratulate his Honduran colleague Reinaldo Rueda.
Aguirre was escorted off the pitch by Honduran officials and staff, before being escorted off by Mexican officials. A police corridor had been formed to help Aguirre down the tunnel in safety.
A day later, the Confederation of North and Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCAFAC) issued the following statement: “The association strongly condemns the incident and the act of violence that occurred after the final whistle of the Nations League match between Honduras and Mexico,” it said in a statement published on the association’s website. “The safety of teams and fans is a priority for CONCACAF. This kind of violent behavior has no place in football.”
The association will refer the incident to the disciplinary committee
At the same time, the association announced that it would refer the incident to the disciplinary committee for further examination and investigation. Honduras could face a severe penalty.
The game was part of the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Nations League. After a goalless first half, Luis Palma (Celtic Glasgow) scored twice in the 64th and 79th minutes to give the Hondurans a 2-0 win. The Central Americans have thus put themselves in a good position ahead of the second leg in Mexico next Wednesday (3:30 a.m. CET). However, the atmosphere is also likely to be heated for the game in Toluca.
