No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomesportsSoccerAt least 11 arrested as fights in bleachers mar Saprissa vs. Alajuelense...

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.

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.

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.

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

Trending Now

Popeyes Unveils Biggest Outlet in Costa Rica at Santa Ana Trade Center

Popeyes launched its biggest outlet today marking a key step in its local growth. The new spot sits in the Santa Ana Trade Center...

Venezuelan opposition leader returns to prison hours after his release

Juan Pablo Guanipa was free for less than 12 hours. The Venezuelan opposition leader returned to prison after a brief release, which he used...

Southwest Airlines Unveils Direct Costa Rica-Las Vegas Route

Southwest Airlines has set plans to introduce the first direct flight linking Costa Rica with Las Vegas, Nevada. This move aims to boost travel...

Costa Rica Faces ₡1 Billion Bill from Home Damages Due to Fires and Floods

Natural disasters and severe weather events led to more than ₡1 billion in payouts for damaged homes last year, data from the National Insurance...

Costa Rica National Surf Circuit 2026 Begins at Playa Cocles

The national surf circuit launches its 2026 season this weekend at Playa Cocles in Talamanca, drawing over 140 competitors to the Caribbean coast. From...

Two Costa Rican Hotels Earn Forbes Recognition for Wellness and Luxury

Two standout Costa Rican properties have received prestigious recognition in recent Forbes magazine coverage, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a global leader in...
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica