Scuffles at Mexico’s World Cup fan zone as thousands jostle for entry
By AFP
Thousands of football supporters surged toward Mexico City’s official World Cup fan zone on Thursday, resulting in disorderly scenes just before the opening match of the tournament.
Entry into the fan festival at Zócalo Plaza was disrupted by metal barricades installed in recent days to stop protesting teachers from accessing the area.
“Stop pushing, there are children here. Don’t behave like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone while attempting to manage the crowd at the venue, where the Mexico versus South Africa match at the Azteca Stadium was scheduled to be broadcast on a giant screen.
Several fans reportedly threw water bottles, directed insults at police officers, and chanted in support of the Mexican national team.
“It’s unbelievable,” said 25-year-old supporter Javier Maciel, who was draped in a poncho featuring the colors of the Mexican flag. “The event could have been organized much better.”
City authorities later announced via social media that the fan zone had reached maximum capacity and advised supporters to gather at alternative public squares.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to attend the viewing event but appeared uncertain about doing so after several days of demonstrations in the area by teachers demanding higher wages.