Dozens of protesters clashed with police outside Estadio Azteca during the World Cup's first match in Mexico. Learn about the World Cup protests and their
Dozens of protesters clashed with police Thursday outside the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as South Africa and Mexico played the first match of the World Cup before 80,000 fans.
Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered early Thursday outside the stadium amid a heavy police presence. Some protesters breached barriers and exchanged blows with officers guarding the stadium’s perimeter, moments after Mexico scored the tournament’s first goal. A handful of youths smashed vehicle windows with bats as police fired tear gas and dispatched mounted officers to corral the protesters, who scattered on foot.
Somali referee banned by US to officiate European Super Cup — UEFA For a time, it appeared the protests might prevent the city from staging an official World Cup fan zone in its famed Zocalo. But thousands of fans poured into the plaza on Thursday, shoving and jostling their way through metal barriers, creating chaotic scenes shortly before kick-off in the opening game. All rights reserved.
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