A preseason-style exhibition between the New York Red Bulls and Mexican club Club América turned violent Saturday night at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, with punches, kicks and a benches-emptying scuffle overshadowing a 1-0 Red Bulls win.
The chaos broke out in the 85th minute after a foul near the end line sparked a confrontation between players from both sides. Within seconds, the altercation spread across the field, with players throwing punches and wrestling as referees and staff tried to pull them apart.
Video circulating afterward appeared to show Red Bulls midfielder Andy Rojas punching Club América’s Dagoberto Espinoza in the back of the head, one of the most jarring moments of the brawl.
Five players were sent off before the dust settled: New York’s Ronald Donkor and Nehuen Benedetti, and Club América’s Emilio Lara, Ramón Juarez and Espinoza. It was not immediately clear whether Rojas faced any separate disciplinary action.
Adding to the disorder, fans threw objects onto the field during the melee, further complicating efforts by officials to restore order.
Red Bulls coach Michael Bradley downplayed the severity of the incident after the match.
“You hear people say that there are no real friendlies,” Bradley said, adding that players remain determined to compete and win no matter the occasion. “It’s part of it on certain nights.”
The match, held during an international window, was meant to be a low-stakes tuneup but instead turned into one of the more chaotic scenes of the soccer calendar this year.
The Red Bulls missed the MLS playoffs this season after finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference, so Saturday’s win offered at least a positive close to their year. Club América now turns its attention to its Liga MX Apertura finale against Tigres on Nov. 25.
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