A football team and the club’s president attended the funeral of a passionate supporter who was attacked by opposition fans outside a stadium after a clash between the two title rivals
A football team attended the funeral wake of a fan who was beaten to death outside a rival stadium.
Carlos Alberto Ortiz Ortega was killed after travelling to an away fixture with around 70 other supporters of Celaya FC, who were taking on Racing de Veracruz in Mexico’s third-tier league, the Liga Premier de Mexico, on Sunday, February 22.
With the two teams lying in first and second place respectively in the table, the fixture was seen as a pivotal moment in the title race. Sadly for the visiting fans, the home side won the encounter 4-0 – but worse was yet to come as tragedy then struck.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Ortega was attacked and beaten to death by rival supporters outside the stadium in Boca del Rio, as reported by What’s The Jam. Another Celaya fan was hospitalised and remains in serious condition, according to reports.
Both clubs condemned the violence and offered their support to the victim’s family. They are also cooperating with the ongoing police investigation into the post-match events outside the Hugo Sanchez Sports Complex.
Mourners at Ortega’s funeral on Monday, February 23, included the Celaya squad and club president Christian Rios, who placed a wreath on the coffin.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Celaya FC club representatives drove up to the funeral home in two buses and sang chants in Ortega’s honour.
“Gentlemen, I am crazy and I have stamina, I follow my Celaya everywhere,” the crowd sang in unison.
Carrying flowers, the club representatives and fans then went to the Esmeralda Room to pay tribute to Ortega, who was affectionately known as Biyik among fans.