

After the final whistle of San Diego FC’s 3-2 win over LAFC on Sunday, emotions from the high intensity encounter quickly spilled off the pitch and to the outskirts of Snapdragon Stadium.
Scenes quickly erupted across social media, with several videos showing fans of the opposing teams engaging in multiple brawls in and around the venue. The violent scenes have now led to San Diego FC, LAFC and Major League Soccer considering disciplinary action against fans involved, including ejections and future bans.
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In a statement to The Athletic, San Diego FC said it is reviewing the incidents, with LAFC, MLS, stadium officials and local authorities. Those found in violation of the MLS Fan Code of Conduct will face disciplinary action.
“San Diego FC seeks to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all fans attending matches at Snapdragon Stadium. Fan violence has no place in our game, and the type of conduct displayed following Saturday’s match against LAFC is unacceptable,” the team said in its statement to The Athletic.
“San Diego FC is working closely with Snapdragon Stadium security, LAFC, MLS and local authorities to review the incidents that occurred. These actions violate the MLS Fan Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated. Individuals found to be in violation of this code will face disciplinary action, including ejections and bans.
“We ask all fans to support the game we all love with passion and respect, ensuring that matches remain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
While animosity between fans of California teams in MLS is not new, the level of violence seen in the videos shared on social media was especially alarming.
One video showed a fan sucker punched outside the stadium, before quickly dropping to the ground. Another video shows a woman stiff-armed by a man near a concession stand. Moments later, a police officer is seen tumbling to the ground, struggling to detain a fan, as another security guard carries a man out of the frame.
Security personnel with bikes struggled to contain the violence, as it poured into the streets just outside the venue.
It’s unclear whether any arrests were made in connection to the violence. Several police officers were seen amid the chaos in the videos. San Diego PD on Thursday referred questions to San Diego State University Police.
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San Diego FC deferred any questions about possible arrests to the local authorities.
This marks the second controversial incident at Snapdragon since the San Diego club kicked off its inaugural season earlier this year.
The team’s first-ever home match, a scoreless draw against St. Louis City, was marred by fans chanting a homophobic slur throughout the game, with officials threatening through stadium messaging that they would end the match early if the chants persisted.
Following the game, the club’s head coach and sporting director denounced the slurs. San Diego later also announced a plan to address the chants; that included enforcing FIFA’s three-step protocol to “stop, suspend or abandon the match is discriminatory behavior persists.”
Saturday’s match was only San Diego’s third home game since the 2025 season started in February. It was also the first time that San Diego faced LAFC, one of three MLS clubs to play in California.
Some after the match said that the dramatic contest was the start of a rivalry between San Diego and LAFC. The former already has a years-long tradition through the Los Angeles derby against LA Galaxy, dubbed El Trafico, which dates to 2018.
San Diego returns to Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday to face the Seattle Sounders.
(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
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