San Jose police arrested eight people late Thursday night after a shooting and multiple fights resulted in injuries at PayPal Park following a San Jose Earthquakes soccer game.
According to San Jose police's Twitter page, there were multiple fights and at least one shooting at the stadium and surrounding parking lots. One of the injuries was a person who suffered a grazing gunshot wound, police said.
The Earthquakes were facing Mexico's Cruz Azul at PayPal Park, their home stadium.
Police said several people were taken to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. A gun was recovered at the scene.
According to police, an unlawful assembly was also declared during the event.
At one point during the game, a fan is seen on video leaping from the stands onto the field of play, running up to a group of players and throwing a punch. But it wasn't immediately clear if the incident was related to the postgame violence and police response.
"As they moved that individual to a secure location, a large group of folks continued to follow them. Later on, some of those individuals were recognized being in the parking lot who were also fighting," SJPD spokesman Steve Aponte said.
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The Earthquakes released a statement Friday morning in response to the violence after the match:
"The San Jose Earthquakes are aware of the incident that took place in the parking lot following (Thursday night’s) match. The Earthquakes organization is very appreciative of the San Jose Police Department’s swift response and are working closely with the SJPD to gather more information at this time. We are committed to working with the SJPD and our community to make our events a safe environment for all fans."
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A highly-anticipated soccer game Saturday night between two of Mexico’s most beloved clubs – Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon – at PayPal Park could be canceled due to Thursday night's violence.
Fans have traveled to San Jose from all around the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Southern California to see Saturday's game.
"It’s like a once in a lifetime opportunity for me," fan Yael Velasquez said. "If somebody who came were to mess it up, I’d be disappointed."
