TORREON, Mexico — A soccer game in Mexico’s first division was abandoned after a gunfight erupted outside the stadium between police and suspected criminals, according to reports Sunday.
Players and officials fled for cover, while thousands of panicked fans cowered in their seats as shots rang out after 40 minutes of the goalless game between Santos and Monarcas Morelia in the northern city of Torreon on Saturday.
An officer was injured in the shootout, which erupted after three trucks failed to stop at a police checkpoint, the newspaper Vanguardia reported. Police opened fire on the vehicles, while gunmen aboard the trucks returned shots.
Inside the stadium, parents ran across the field carrying children while fans ducked under seats.
The shooting reportedly lasted more than five minutes, a claim later disputed by Mexican state officials, who said the exchange of shots took place in a matter of seconds.
The Santos president emerged onto the field half an hour after the incident appealing for calm and announcing that the trouble outside the stadium was over.
