Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Mexico during the FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday (11 June).
Demonstrators gathered outside Estadio Azteca stadium as the Mexico vs South Africa game commenced, with video footage showing scuffles breaking out as protesters approached security cordons around the stadium.
Activists are seeking to use the tournament as a platform to draw attention to issues such as disappearances, inequality and public spending. At least five campaign groups - including representatives of families of Mexico’s 130,000 missing - had been planning demonstrations to coincide with the match.
“Nearly 200 hooded individuals broke away from two groups of around 800 protesters, but the situation was brought under control by personnel from the Metropolitan Police,” the force said.
