Women’s League Match Halted After Loud Noises Mistaken For Gunfire Amid Mexico Violence

A Liga MX Femenil match between Necaxa and Querétaro in Aguascalientes, Mexico, was temporarily halted after loud noises outside the stadium were mistaken for explosions or gunfire.

The referee stopped the game early in the second half as players from both teams quickly ran off the pitch amid fears of a possible security threat. Local reports said the match later resumed once authorities confirmed there was no immediate danger.

The stadium was mostly empty, which helped prevent panic or spanpede among spectators. Officials in Aguascalientes later clarified that no gunshots had been fired inside or around the venue.

According to an official statement, the sounds were caused by modified exhaust systems on vintage cars participating in an exhibition outside the stadium. The loud backfires had been mistaken by some attendees for gunshots, prompting the brief suspension.

The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns in Mexico following the killing of a senior figure linked to the Jalisco New Generation cartel. Clashes between armed cartel members and security forces in several states have made the public more sensitive to unusual noises, raising fresh security worries as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in four months.