Mexico men’s head coach Javier Aguirre was left bloodied after being struck by a projectile following his team’s Nations League loss against Honduras.
The incident occurred shortly after the full-time whistle at the Estadio Francisco Morazan in Honduras as Aguirre approached his counterpart Reinaldo Rueda. Video footage showed multiple objects being thrown from the stands as one struck Aguirre before he then shook Rueda’s hand.
CONCACAF, the governing body of North and Central American soccer which organises the Nations League, said it “strongly condemns the incident and act of violence”. It added that the incident will be investigated by its disciplinary committee.
Honduras won Friday’s quarterfinal first leg 2-0 with both of the hosts’ goals scored by Celtic winger Luis Palma.
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said it “firmly rejects any form of violence in football and reiterates its commitment to safety and security”. The Honduran Football Federation (FHF) has been approached for comment.
¡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
“Concacaf strongly condemns the incident and act of violence that occurred following the final whistle of tonight’s Nations League match between the men’s national teams of Honduras and Mexico, in which Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre was impacted by a projectile thrown from the stands onto the field of play,” a CONCACAF statement read.
“The security of the teams and fans is a priority for Concacaf. These types of violent behaviors have no place in football.
“The incident will now be referred to the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee for further review and investigation.”
Aguirre took charge of the Mexico team in July after Jaime Lozano was sacked following their disappointing group-stage exit at the Copa America.
Mexico will host Honduras in the second leg of their Nations League quarterfinal next Tuesday.
(Top photo: Jhony Magallanes/AFP via Getty Images)
