The match between América and Toluca at the Azteca Stadium ended with a 2-1 victory for the Águilas, but what happened in the final minutes and after the final whistle completely overshadowed the sporting result.
The expulsion of Toluca player Helinho for a kick without the ball unleashed a chain of incidents that extended from the field to the tunnels and locker rooms of the venue, in one of the most embarrassing episodes of the season in Liga MX.
It all started when Helinho received the red card in added time. Sebastián Cáceres from América went to confront him and pushed him, causing players from both teams to come forward to defend their teammates. Tempers quickly heated up with pushing and shouting between the footballers, while the referees and flag bearers had to intervene to separate those involved.
The situation also moved to the benches, where the Toluca coach, Antonio Mohamed, carried out gestures and provocations towards the American bench that ended in more pushing between members of both technical teams.
The most serious incidents, however, occurred in the tunnels leading to the locker rooms. A group of fans from America insulted Helinho with racist and homophobic shouts as the player left after his expulsion, in front of stadium security that was completely overwhelmed. The Toluca footballer responded by hitting the windows that separated him from the fans, in a scene that quickly went viral on social networks and included shouts of “kill him” from the stands.
The consequences that lie ahead
The Liga MX Disciplinary Commission will open an investigation to determine the corresponding sanctions, with several people involved in the eye of the storm. Helinho could miss up to eight games due to attacks after his expulsion, which would practically leave him out of the remainder of the tournament. Mohamed also faces a possible sanction for his provocations towards the rival bench.
The most controversial case is that of Henry Martín, captain of America who was not called up due to injury but who went down to the locker room area during the match and confronted Helinho, unleashing a new confrontation. Although the situation was not noted in the arbitration document, the videos broadcast on social networks will be the basis of the investigation by the Disciplinary Commission.
The Azteca Stadium also faces the possibility of a veto for América’s next match due to the fans’ homophobic shouts at goalkeeper Luis García during the match and the racist insults towards Helinho in the tunnels, situations that have compelling elements for the Liga MX authorities to take exemplary measures against the venue.
On and off the field, the madrazos were made in Toluca vs. America!!
The game ended hot and there was a clash in the game. But in the locker room the chaos continued! And that’s how they ended!!
There will be sanctions!!
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— José Luis Morales (@JLMNoticias) April 19, 2026