Sapríssa President Blames Police for Incident That Cost Championship

Roberto Artavia, president of Costa Rican football club Deportivo Saprissa, said the Costa Rican police (Fuerza Pública) caused a conflict at the Miguel Ángel “Lito” Pérez stadium in Puntarenas on 27 April. He argued that police intervention targeted the fan group Ultra Morada instead of the actual altercation, leading to the expulsions of players Mariano Torres and Fidel Escobar. The disciplinary tribunal suspended both players for three matches, forcing Saprissa to play the semifinals without them and, according to Artavia, costing the team the national championship.

Artavia stated, “La Ultra lo que estaba haciendo era protegiendo… la Policía llegó y se fue directo contra la Ultra, no contra los que estaban peleando.” Police officials said they entered the stands after a private security alert about an attempted robbery of a gold chain and were attacked by fans, prompting their response.