Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 30
Ecuador Complains Over 1,000 Mexico Fans' Hotel Serenade Before Last-32 Clash
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 30

Ecuador Complains Over 1,000 Mexico Fans' Hotel Serenade Before Last-32 Clash

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 30

Summary

  • Ecuador lodged a complaint with World Cup organisers after about 1,000 Mexico supporters gathered outside the team's Mexico City hotel before Wednesday's last-32 match.
  • Local media said fans used noisemakers, pans and buckets to sing "Cielito Lindo" until police moved them back, in what Ecuador called conduct contrary to fair play, equality and unity.
  • The federation said Ecuador would "always respond on the pitch" and voiced hope the incident would not mar a match between what it called two brotherly countries.
  • Wednesday's game carries added weight: Mexico have won all 3 World Cup matches at Mexico City Stadium, while Ecuador reached the knockout stage with a shock win over Germany.
  • England would face Mexico in Mexico City if both sides win their last-32 ties, while FIFA has been approached for comment on Ecuador's complaint.

Insights

Will FIFA's ruling on this fan disruption set a new precedent for protecting teams at World Cups?
With team hotels now a target, how will World Cup hosts secure players beyond the stadium walls?
Is disrupting an opponent's sleep passionate gamesmanship or a clear violation of sporting integrity?