At least 11 arrested as fights in bleachers mar Saprissa vs. Alajuelense soccer match

Deportivo Saprissa and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense tied at a goal apiece in the Costa Rican football classic, played Sunday afternoon at Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in San Juan de Tibás.

Christian Bolaños — who featured in Costa Rica’s last three World Cup appearances — opened scoring in the 15th minute.

¡Goool del @SaprissaOficial!

Despeje de Moreira y anota Bolaños #ClásicoCR pic.twitter.com/guy9Ribba4

— Teletica Deportes (@TeleticaTD7) February 9, 2020

The Alajuelenses equaled in 49th minute with Jonathan McDonald, who scored his 17th goal in Costa Rican classics. In addition, ‘Big Mac’ became the ninth-best scorer in Costa Rican club soccer history with 41.

¡Aparece el goleador de clásicos!

Goool de McDonald 🔴⚫ #ClásicoCR pic.twitter.com/dJzwB1yy2N

— Teletica Deportes (@TeleticaTD7) February 10, 2020

Two players were expelled: Honduran Alex Lopez, for La Liga, and Manfred Ugalde, for Saprissa.

And that tension spilled into the bleachers as the game was interrupted on two occasions, both in the first half, by incidents with the so-called Ultra Morada (“ultras” who support Saprissa), who fought among themselves.

According to a report from the National Police, there were at least 11 people detained following the commotion.

🗣 ¡FUERA! Se grita en el estadio.

Situaciones que no pueden seguir pasando en nuestro fútbol nacional. #ClásicoCR pic.twitter.com/xVsYTdD44j

— Teletica Deportes (@TeleticaTD7) February 9, 2020

Elsewhere in Costa Rican club soccer, a match between Guadeloupe and Grecia was postponed due to a problem with the latter’s participation license.