Azteca Stadium, home to Mexico’s national football team, has been severely damaged by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that devastated Mexico City yesterday (Tuesday).
The venue in the country’s capital, which has hosted two World Cup finals, has been left with a huge fracture down the outside of the stadium.
The earthquake has so far left at least 217 people dead, with citizens and rescuers working through the night to try and dig people out of the rubble. Dozens of buildings have collapsed and more than 11 aftershocks have been registered.
Azteca Stadium is also home to Club America, whose Copa MX championship series match between Cruz Azul was cancelled on Tuesday night due to the heavy damage. The National Soccer League said the fixture would be rescheduled for a later date.
El Estadio Azteca sufre daños tras el sismo pic.twitter.com/ZniEo5t1is
— CML SPORTS (@CMLSport) September 19, 2017
The US Geological Survey said the quake was centred near the Puebla state town of Raboso, about 76 miles southeast of Mexico City. It also predicted that up to 1,000 fatalities will come from the natural disaster, with an economic impact of between $1bn and $10bn.
Several football players showed their support for those in Mexico on Twitter, with Rafa Marquez, the captain of both Mexico’s national team and Club Atlas, said: “Shocked by what caused the tremor, my prayers and my solidarity so that all are well, # FuerzaMexico”
West Ham United footballer Chicharito Hernandez said on Twitter: “Shocked by what’s going on in my Mexico. We need to come together to help as possible! A lot of strength for everyone! #FuerzaMéxico.”
Image: Carlos Valenzuela
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