Soccer star pelted with drinks in ugly scene at LAFC vs Cruz Azul game

Sergi Palencia was targeted by Cruz Azul fans during the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal match

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:25pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the raw energy and tension of a heated soccer match, with players and fans blending into a frenetic, colorful scene.Passion and pandemonium on the pitch as rival fans clash during a heated Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal match.Los Angeles Today

During Tuesday night's Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal match between LAFC and Cruz Azul at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, LAFC player Sergi Palencia was pelted with drinks thrown by Cruz Azul fans while he was on the ground with an apparent injury. The crowd at the game was predominantly pro-Cruz Azul, and the incident occurred late in the game after LAFC had taken a 3-0 lead.

Why it matters

Fan violence and unsportsmanlike behavior at soccer matches is an ongoing issue that leagues and teams continue to grapple with. This incident highlights the need for better crowd control and fan safety measures, especially when matches involve rival teams with passionate supporters.

The details

As Palencia dropped to the turf with an injury, cups filled with liquid were thrown from the stands by Cruz Azul fans towards the LAFC defender. Palencia was able to hobble away before being directly hit, but the objects continued raining onto the field for several seconds before arena staff and LAFC players cleared the pitch. The match featured plenty of chippiness, with LAFC ultimately securing a 3-0 win.

  • The incident occurred late in the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal match between LAFC and Cruz Azul on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Sergi Palencia

A 30-year-old defender for LAFC who was targeted by drinks thrown from Cruz Azul fans while injured on the field.

LAFC

The Los Angeles-based soccer club that was playing against Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal match.

Cruz Azul

The Mexican soccer club that was playing against LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal match, with a predominantly pro-Cruz Azul crowd in attendance.

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What they’re saying

“The key is to suffer, to survive and to figure out a little bit how to play them and how to face them. And we did it really well, with Hugo saving a couple balls like usual. We found a really good play with Timmy [Tillman], Mathieu [Choinière] and Sonny and this changed the game for us.”

— Sergi Palencia, LAFC Player

What’s next

LAFC and MLS officials are expected to review the incident and determine if any disciplinary action will be taken against Cruz Azul or its supporters.

The takeaway

This ugly incident at the LAFC vs Cruz Azul match underscores the ongoing challenge of fan violence and unsportsmanlike behavior in soccer, which leagues and teams must continue to address through improved crowd control, fan safety measures, and disciplinary action when necessary.