AT least six people are killed and four others injured in armed clashes between alleged gang members at an indoor football match in Guatemala, said police yesterday, while another died after fighting at a game in Colombia.

In the latest mass violence at Latin American sporting events, five people died on the scene and a sixth in hospital after violence erupted at a match in the Guatemalan town of Villa Canales.

Witnesses said at least four armed attackers arrived at the indoor stadium by car.

Investigators believed the armed attack may have been the result of gang rivalry, said a police report, pointing to the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha groups that have a strong presence in Guatemala and other Central American countries, Mexico and the United States.

Violence claims about 3,500 lives every year in Guatemala – one of the highest rates in Latin America – mainly due to drug trafficking and gang activity, according to authorities.

Also on Saturday, one person died from injuries sustained in a fight at a football stadium that forced the suspension of a club game in Colombia.

Police said fighting broke out between fans of Junior de Barranquilla and Union Magdalena in the 73rd minute of an on-field clash at the Sierra Nevada stadium in Santa Marta.

A video on social media shows supporters pelting others with objects, as an announcer urges people to not rip the stadium chairs out of their frames.

Two people were injured in the violence, of whom one later died, said Santa Marta police official Jesus de los Reyes, adding that an investigation is ongoing to find those responsible.

Fernando Jaramillo, president of the Dimayor club league hosting the match on Saturday, said there will be “strong” sanctions.

Violence has repeatedly broken out this year at Latin American football venues.

On March 5, there were savage clashes between fans outside a stadium in Colombia.

On the same night, a mass brawl at a game left 26 people severely injured in Mexico, while the next day a man was shot dead in a confrontation between football fans in Brazil. – AFP, April 25, 2022.