San Diego FC is the newest member of Major League Soccer, playing its inaugural season this year. LA Galaxy is one of the oldest and most decorated in the league’s history.
So, when the two southern California-based teams squared off for the first time, there was likely to be some animosity between the two fanbases.
At Snapdragon Stadium after the final whistle, camera footage caught San Diego FC fans brawling with LA Galaxy supporters in the upper decks.
It’s unclear which group of fans started the fight, but it occurred just one section over from the Galaxy away end.
Video captured punches being thrown and cups of liquid flying across tumbling and brawling fans – all while ‘Could You Be Loved’ by Bob Marley and the Wailers played throughout the stadium.
One fan appeared to slip and fall backwards down the stairs – coming to a rest before being punched repeatedly by rival supporters.
The neon yellow jackets of security guards – which had been guarding the Galaxy supporters during the game – were nowhere to be seen.
A brawl between LA Galaxy and San Diego FC supporters broke out at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Saturday afternoon following a 2-1 win for SDFC
Despite being a few months old, this is the second team San Diego fans have fought this year
San Diego coach Mikey Varas condemned the violence from the fans in a post-game statement
According to reports from San Diego news station CBS 8, the brawl spilled out of the stadium and into the parking lots before being broken up.
DailyMail.com has reached out to San Diego Police and Snapdragon Stadium officials for comment on the matter.
San Diego FC and the LA Galaxy released a joint statement after the incident.
‘San Diego FC and the LA Galaxy are united in our efforts to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all fans attending our matches,’ read the statement provided to DailyMail.com.
‘There is no room for violence in our sport. The incidents that occurred following Saturday’s match at Snapdragon Stadium do not reflect the values of either club and are entirely unacceptable.
‘We urge all fans to support the game we all love with passion and respect, ensuring that every match remains a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
Both clubs are actively working with Snapdragon Stadium security, Major League Soccer, and local law enforcement to conduct a thorough review of the incidents. Any behavior found to be in violation of the MLS Fan Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action, which may include stadium ejections and bans.’
After the game, San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas also addressed the violence in his post-match press conference.
LA Galaxy took the lead in the 40th minute off a goal from Diego Fagundez
San Diego won the game in stoppage time off a header from Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano
‘I just wanna state clearly, as we did earlier in the season, our club values are really clear. There’s no place for violence in this sport. This is the beautiful game. It’s supposed to bring joy. Of course there’s passion,’ Varas said briefly.
‘We’re gathering all the information – I don’t have enough information to give you guys anything, so I would like to focus on the game from a questions perspective,’ Varas concluded before repeating his words in Spanish.
SDFC supporters have already begun developing a reputation for fighting their fellow Golden State teams. A brawl between San Diego and Los Angeles FC supporters occurred back in April.
Earlier in the season, San Diego fans were also cautioned over their repeated use of homophobic chanting during a match.
As for the results from this game, SDFC beat the still-winless Galaxy 2-1. Diego Fagundez scored first for the reigning champions, but his goal was followed up one minute later with a strike from birthday-boy Luca de la Torre.
San Diego won in the fifth minute of stoppage time off a header from Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano.
The Galaxy are the worst team in MLS currently, while San Diego sit second in the Western Conference standings.
