Concacaf has levied sanctions against the Honduras Football Federation following an incident where a beer can struck Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, during a Nations League quarterfinal match. The incident occurred on November 15 during the first leg in San Pedro Sula, where Mexico secured a 2-0 victory.
The governing body for football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean announced a one-match ban for Honduras, compelling them to play their next home match in a Concacaf competition behind closed doors. Additionally, an undisclosed fine was imposed. The sanctions are a direct response to the security lapse at the Francisco Morazan Stadium, which allowed a fan to throw a beer can that hit Aguirre, causing him to bleed.
“The Concacaf Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Honduran Football Federation for failing to implement adequate stadium security measures during their 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal match against Mexico on Friday, November 15, 2024,” Concacaf stated in an official release. The committee emphasized that their decision was based on a thorough investigation, considering evidence and competition regulations.
Despite the unsettling episode, Javier Aguirre has chosen to focus on the upcoming second leg and downplayed the incident. When questioned about the can-throwing, Aguirre stated, “What happened in the past, I’ll leave there. I’m someone that always looks ahead.” He had initially dismissed the injury immediately after the match, remarking, “it’s football.”
Looking ahead to the second leg in Toluca, Aguirre appealed to Mexican fans for responsible support. “That they support them within the framework of rules,” he urged, advocating for “respect for the rival, as it should be.” He expressed confidence in the Mexican fanbase to provide unconditional support while maintaining sportsmanship.
Defender Jesús Gallardo, present at the same press conference, echoed Aguirre’s sentiment, indicating that the incident has not become a point of undue focus for the team. Gallardo quoted Aguirre’s post-match comment, “‘it’s football,’ They’re things that happen,” suggesting a collective desire to move past the event.
Aguirre confirmed that Jesús Gallardo, Alexis Vega, and César Montes would be part of the starting eleven for the crucial second leg against Honduras. Mexico enters the match with a 2-0 aggregate lead and needs to avoid a significant defeat to advance in the Nations League quarterfinal series.
The stakes are high for both teams. Advancement in the quarterfinal not only secures a place in the Nations League semifinals in the spring of 2025 but also guarantees qualification for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Teams that do not advance through this round will have another chance to qualify for the Gold Cup through a separate preliminary competition. The upcoming match between Mexico and Honduras is therefore critical for both nations’ aspirations in Concacaf competitions.
