Football riots in El Salvador, the death toll rises to 12 people

– The death toll from the riot in a football match in El Salvador continues to grow. It is now reported that 12 people died in the incident that occurred at the Cuscatlan Stadium, El Salvador, Saturday (18/2/2023).

Riots broke out during the second leg of the quarter-finals play-offs The Primera Division between Alianza and FAS at the Cuscatlan Stadium in the nation’s capital.

The police stopped the fight and initial reports said nine people died (7 men, 2 women). This has not been added to the dozens of spectators who were injured.

Video footage of the match on YouTube shows the match being suspended after panic broke out in one of the stands. The injured were later seen being carried away by emergency services on stretchers.

Soccer fans are helped by other fans on the pitch of the Cuscatlan Stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador, Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Regarding this incident, the Commissioner General of the National Civilian Police, Mauricio Arriaza Chicas said that the police would cooperate with the attorney general to hold those responsible for the tragedy accountable.

“We regret that this incident led to death. As an institutional police force we announce that together with @FGR_SV we will be conducting a criminal investigation into tonight’s incident,” Arriaza Chicas said on her Twitter account.

Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado added: “What happened today at the Cuscatlan Stadium is a tragedy for everyone. My condolences to the Salvadoran fans. @FGR_SV and @PNCSV they are carrying out the necessary procedures to conclude responsibility.”

The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, promised to carry out an in-depth investigation into this tragedy. “Everyone will be investigated starting from the team, directors, stadiums, ticket offices, leagues, federations, etc. Whoever did it, they will not go unpunished,” said Bukele.

Rescuers attend to an injured fan lying on the pitch of the Cuscatlan stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador, Saturday, May 20, 2023.

The El Salvador Football Federation said that all national level football matches on Sunday would be suspended.

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