Honduras given 1-match ban, Aguirre faces probe

The Honduras Football Federation have been given a one-match ban and fine by Concacaf following a Nov. 15 incident in which Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was struck by a beer can after earning a 2-0 away loss in the first leg of a Nations League quarterfinal.

Concacaf also added that a separate investigation has been opened regarding Aguirre’s conduct during the match at San Pedro Sula’s Francisco Morazan Stadium.

“The Concacaf Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Honduran Football Federation for failing to implement adequate stadium security measures during their 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal match against Mexico on Friday, November 15, 2024,” read a statement from the governing body.

“After considering the documentation and evidence gathered during their investigation and based on the competition’s regulations and the applicable Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Committee has ruled that the Honduran Football Federation must play their next senior men’s national team home match (of a Concacaf competition) behind closed doors.”

Mexico are set to host the second leg of the quarterfinal series in Toluca on Nov. 19. Ahead of the knockout round match, Aguirre remained quiet when asked to once again comment on the can-throwing incident that led to him bleeding profusely from the head.

“What happened in the past, I’ll leave there. I’m someone that always looks ahead,” said Aguirre on Monday. “Looking that away [points forward], never in the past.” Shortly after being hit in the recent away defeat, Mexico’s coach brushed off the injury and stated “it’s football” last Friday.

On Monday, Aguirre praised Toluca’s fans and asked them to not cause any issues during the second leg of the quarterfinal.

“That they support them within the framework of rules,” said the coach when asked about the message he would like to give to those in attendance. “With respect for the rival, as it should be. I believe a lot in the Mexican fans who will support us unconditionally.”

Defender Jesús Gallardo, also in attendance at Monday’s press conference, noted that the can-throwing incident hasn’t added extra motivation or changed the mentality of the team.

“Our coach said it at the end of the game at the press conference, ‘it’s football.’ They’re things that happen,” said the fullback.

Aguirre confirmed that alongside Gallardo, Mexico’s XI for tomorrow will also feature Alexis Vega and César Montes.

Currently down 2-0 on aggregate, Mexico will need to score at least twice to remain alive in the quarterfinal series. If the aggregate score remains level after the second leg, away goals will be utilized as a tiebreaker. Extra time will follow as the next possible tiebreaker, and if needed, penalties to decide who will move on to the semifinal round next spring.

The winners of the quarterfinal series will also gain a spot into 2025’s Concacaf Gold Cup. The losers will be given a second opportunity for tournament qualification through a preliminary competition.