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Mexico-Brazil World Cup Game Prompts Warning In Huntington Park

June 27, 2014

Police officers block a street as Mexican soccer fans rally after the telecast of the 2014 World Cup Brazil between Brazil vs Mexico in Huntington Park, Calif., on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. They’ll be out in force again this Sunday. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

HUNTINGTON PARK (CNS) – Huntington Park police and Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies will be out in force Sunday to monitor crowds during and after the World Cup match between Mexico and the Netherlands, hoping to avoid a repeat of the unruly behavior that erupted following Mexico’s previous game.

At least four people were arrested Monday as Mexico fans paraded through Huntington Park streets after the team’s 3-1 victory over Croatia. One of those arrested, 22-year-old Richard Bandala, allegedly waved a flag at a sheriff’s horse and struck the animal repeatedly in the head.

Some of the fans rocked cars as the crowd marched in the streets, many waving Mexican flags. Police said some of the fans had been at a viewing party at El Club on Pacific Boulevard and others were in a plaza by Florence Avenue.

City officials said Pacific Boulevard will be closed between Florence and Gage avenues in the downtown area beginning at 9 a.m. — the start time of the Mexico-Netherlands match. They noted that police and sheriff’s officials would be “visibly present during and after” the match.

“The city and its police department encourage all fans to watch or celebrate the game, but use good judgment and show respect for the safety of the community, local residents and local businesses,” according to a statement issued by the city.” …The city acknowledges that the World Cup is a vital and important part of the local culture and city leaders want all fans and supporters to be safe and to respect local laws and ordinances.”