Mexican police used tear gas and pepper spray on fans attempting to force their way into a World Cup fan fest in Monterrey, the latest incident to mar the tournament.
The chaotic scene unfolded at the Parque Fundidora fan fest, where thousands had gathered to watch the Round-of-32 match against Ecuador being broadcast from Mexico City. Local reports indicated that numerous fans, many wearing green, were seen attempting to climb fences and push through gates to gain entry to the venue, which featured large screens for viewing the game.
In one instance, fans were observed barging through an iron gate, while temporary fencing was damaged in other areas. According to the local newspaper El Norte, authorities resorted to pepper spray and tear gas to deter the growing number of fans trying to enter the overcrowded event. The use of these crowd-control measures reportedly triggered a stampede, with some attendees falling and others experiencing the effects of the irritants. Park staff eventually managed to secure the entrances.
Meanwhile, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexican fans directed a homophobic chant at Ecuador's goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez during a goal kick. This marks the second time during the tournament that this specific chant has been heard, which has led to previous fines for the Mexican soccer federation.
The fan festivities and political tensions are occurring against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Mexico and Ecuador. The two nations have been at odds since April 2024, when Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum by Mexico. Glas remains in Ecuadorian custody, and diplomatic ties between the countries are currently severed, with soccer serving as the primary point of interaction.