North’s clash with Mexico descends into brawl

A Northern Ireland U20s player was thrown to the floor and kicked after Wednesday’s Milk Cup Elite match between Northern Ireland and Mexico in Coleraine descended into a brawl that saw four players red-carded.

The first fight saw Mexico’s goalkeeper Raul Monala Gudino and defender Carlos Arreola sent off after the two teams clashed, with Mexico players seen punching the opposition and one kicking a Northern Irish player who was on the ground.

Northern Ireland’s Robbie McDaid was also red-carded before a second flare-up four minutes from time saw Mexico’s Kevin Gutierrez sent off for kicking another player.

“I think some of our players had to protect themselves from kicks, punches and head-butts,” said Northern Ireland U20 manager Stephen Craigan.

“It was not nice. There were young kids here from around the world. They were here to watch a football match, they do not expect to see that.

“Mexico did it last year, they had a man sent-off for punching. They have a history of it. I have to be careful what I say, but I would like to think Mexico will not be back at the Milk Cup. It is not what the Milk Cup is all about. It is about people enjoying football and young kids expressing themselves, not that kind of violence.”

Milk Cup organisers confirmed all four red-carded players have been suspended for the rest of the tournament.

“[Both associations] will be informed of the behaviour of their teams in what turned out to be a poor advertisement for soccer,” they said. “We would ask all teams to remember they should be ambassadors for the game, their club and their country and appeal that they examine their behaviour and strive towards fulfilling the good intentions laid down in Fifa Fair Play.”