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.

Live prediction market odds via Kalshi. Updates every 60 seconds.
Kalshi is available to US residents 18+. The Tico Times may earn a commission from new signups.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Sinkhole Still Unfixed After One Month

One month after a major sinkhole opened on Route 27 at kilometer 56 near Orotina, Costa Rica still has no definitive date for a...

Fonseca and Arévalo Keep Latin America Alive at Wimbledon

Latin America’s Wimbledon picture has narrowed quickly, leaving Brazil’s João Fonseca as the region’s clearest singles contender and El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo as Central...

Costa Rica Faces Hotter Weekend as Sahara Dust Reduces Rainfall

A plume of Saharan dust is helping bring hotter, drier and hazier weather to Costa Rica this weekend, with forecasters warning of reduced rainfall,...

Costa Rica Confirms Bird-Flu Case in Wild Marine Bird at Manuel Antonio

Costa Rican animal health officials confirmed a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 in a wild marine bird found in Manuel Antonio,...

Argentina Leads Latin Push as Wimbledon Day 2 Opens

Latin America’s Wimbledon campaign moves into a crowded second wave Tuesday, with nine singles players from the region scheduled for first-round matches across the...

Costa Rica’s Ethanol Gasoline Plan Faces New Delay

Costa Rica’s plan to begin selling gasoline mixed with ethanol is still moving forward, but drivers may have to wait longer than expected before...

Costa Rica Study Suggests Earth Has Far More Insect Species Than Scientists Thought

A major new study built on more than three decades of fieldwork in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Conservation Area suggests Earth may be home to...

Costa Rican Rescuers Find Survivor in Venezuela Rubble as Earthquake Toll Climbs

Costa Rican Red Cross rescuers working in Venezuela located a man alive beneath the rubble of a collapsed condominium building Sunday, giving a rare...

Costa Rica Sends Rescue Mission to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes

Costa Rica has sent a rescue and humanitarian mission to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes left widespread damage, collapsed buildings and an urgent need...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel