Crowd control measures for Mexico's World Cup match; Mayor faces assault charges
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Mexico City authorities will implement access filters and barriers at the Ángel de la Independencia for the upcoming match against England, following a previous incident.
- The mayor of Metepec, Fernando Flores, appeared before a judge for allegedly assaulting someone at a sports club.
- Security measures are in place at La Cantera, the training site for the English national football team, leading to the closure of a nearby sports complex.
Authorities in Mexico City announced they will install access filters and barriers at the Ángel de la Independencia for the upcoming match between Mexico and England. This decision follows a previous large gathering that prompted questions about the necessity of crowd control measures, particularly concerning alcohol sales and overcrowding. While initially hesitant, citing potential counter-effects of barriers, the government has opted for stricter controls after four people died during a previous match celebration.
In a separate incident, the mayor of Metepec, Fernando Flores, spent nine hours testifying before a judge in Almoloya de Juárez. He is being investigated for alleged abuse of authority and assault, stemming from an incident on June 4 where he reportedly entered a sports club armed with escorts and physically assaulted an individual. Flores maintains he is the target of a smear campaign but has stated his willingness to cooperate with authorities. He also declared his intention to remain in his post.
Security measures are being heightened around La Cantera, the training facility for England's national football team, as they prepare to face Mexico. Personnel from the National Guard and FIFA have inspected the site to ensure the safety of the players, including captain Harry Kane. As a result, the nearby El Copete sports complex, including its pool and other facilities, will be closed on Saturday, July 4, at the request of federal and local governments.
colocar vallas no siempre era la respuesta para hacer frente a la multitud, pues podría resultar un efecto contrario.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.