On the eve of Mexico’s match against Brazil in the World Cup, soccer fans who plan on pouring into the streets of Huntington Park are being warned by police that rowdy behavior will not be tolerated.
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"Locally we have a significant number of soccer fans who will be watching the games and cheering for Team Mexico," said Huntington Park Police Lt. Neal Mongan in a news release. "We anticipate fans will desire to celebrate immediately following the Mexico game on June 17th."
While police are encouraging fans to enjoy the game, they say they are prepared to head off any disturbances seen in years past.
"During previous World Cup competitions, the city of Huntington Park experienced large scale civil unrest in the form of spontaneous, unorganized street celebrations," Mongan said. "Large crowds engaged in disruptive and hostile behavior, acts of violence, vandalism, theft, the setting of fires and property damage."
In 2011, Mexico’s win over the U.S. in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final touched off a frenzy in which El Tri faithful marched onto Pacific Boulevard at Florence Avenue, many waving flags and some rocking cars.
During the 2010 World Cup, raucous street celebrations resulted in road closure throughout Huntington Park, police said.
When Mexico defeated the U.S. in a World Cup qualifying match in 2009, several blocks of Pacific Boulevard were shut down as revelers arrived to the city's streets.
The Huntington Park Police Department said it "welcomes fans to enjoy the games with family and friends," while urging them to "celebrate responsibly and to obey the laws."
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Mexico will attempt to notch another win in the World Cup when it takes on host team Brazil at noon.
