Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre was hit by an object from the stands, causing a head wound which left him bloody, at the end of Mexico’s 2-0 defeat at Honduras in the CONCACAF Nations League first leg.
Aguirre was hit by the object, which TV pictures appear to show was a can, as he approached Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda at the final whistle to shake his hand.
Rueda condemned the incident, as Honduras now head to Toluca on Tuesday for the second leg of their quarterfinal. The winner will qualify for the semifinals in Los Angeles, California in March 2025.
Speaking after the game Aguirre tried to play down the incident and didn’t want to discuss it, instead focusing on how Honduras were deserved winners over his struggling Mexico side. The veteran coach returned to take charge of Mexico for a third stint in the summer and the 65-year-old has a big task on his hand to turn things around.
Statements from Mexico, CONCACAF on Aguirre being hit by object
Following the defeat in San Pedro Sula, Mexico’s Football Association released the following statement following the incident: “We demand that CONCACAF takes immediate and decisive action to address this matter. Soccer should be a celebration, not a battleground.”
CONCACAF released the following statement: “The security of the teams and fans is a priority for CONCACAF. These types of violent behaviors have no place in football,” the governing body added in a statement. The incident will now be referred to the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee for further review and investigation.”
Video of Javier Aguirre incident
¡PESIMA SEGURIDAD Y ORGANIZACIÓN! ❌
— TV Azteca Deportes (@AztecaDeportes) November 16, 2024
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
