Massive brawl at Queretaro vs Atlas soccer match in Mexico leaves three in critical condition

Mexico's top soccer league has suspended all matches after a massive brawl among fans left more than two dozen people in hospital and three in a critical condition.

Warning: This article contains images and details some readers might find distressing

Saturday's match between hosts Queretaro, and Atlas from Guadalajara, the reigning league champions, had to be stopped in the 62nd minute when multiple fights broke out in the stands before spilling onto the field.

Security personnel had opened the gates to the field so that fans, including women and children, could escape the stands.

State authorities said 23 people remained in hospital, 10 in a serious condition and three in critical condition with very severe injuries. 

«They were savagely injured, which is a shame and a blot on soccer, for these type of things to happen, in a place that should be for families to go and have fun. This is totally unacceptable,» Queretaro Governor Mauricio Kuri said.

«I have been informed that investigation files have already been opened, including for attempted homicide.»

Atlas was leading 1-0 when the fighting broke out.

Its players quickly fled to the locker rooms, as did some from the Queretaro side.

Other Queretaro players, including Uruguayan goalie Washington Aguerre, stayed near the bench trying to calm the fans.

Some fans armed themselves with chairs and metal bars.

One could be seen pulling a knife to cut the nets of one goal. Others fought in the tunnel to the field.

Officials have not said what might have triggered the clashes.

Both teams issued statements condemning the violence.

Mexican newspaper El Universal ran the front-page headline: «The darkest day for Mexican soccer.» 

«We regret and condemn these events, which run contrary to the