A friendly match between New York Red Bulls and the Mexican team América ended in chaos after a massive clash between footballers of both teams erupted in recent minutes.
The match, held in New Jersey, ended with the American team’s 1-0 victory, but the result remained second after the serious incident took place in the 85th minute.
It all started after a foul near the gate line. A verbal debate among players escalated rapidly into postponement and then in exchange for shocks. Football players from both teams were involved in the clashes, while teammates and technical staff members tried to calm the situation.
One of the worst moments of the incident was recorded when Andy Rojas, a New York Red Bulls football player, hit the back of Dagoberto Espinoza of América.
After restoring the calm, the judge punished five football players with red cards. Ronald Donkor and Nehuen Benedetti were expelled from the local team, while Emilia Lara, Ramón Juarez and Dagoberto Espinoza were removed from the América game.
The situation was further tense when some fans from the stands began throwing objects into the field. The images of the clash spread rapidly on social networks, while it is still unknown whether Andy Rojas will face any disciplinary measures for his action.
After the match, the coach of New York Red Bulls, Michael Bradley, showed no excessive concern about the incident, stressing that even in friendly matches football players enter the field with a desire to win.
People who say there’s no real friend. Players still want to race and win, no matter what kind of game it is. This is part of football on certain nights, Bradley said. /Telegraphy/