'Incitement to violence' - Mexico coach blamed for being struck in head by beer can as Honduras FA accuses Javier Aguirre of 'insulting and provoking' fans in sensational statement

Following Mexico's 2-0 CONCACAF Nations League loss in Honduras this week, manager Aguirre was hit by a beer can thrown by a fan. While the Honduran Football Federation (FFH) "strongly condemned" the actions of the culprits behind this incident, the governing body accused Aguirre of "incitement to violence" and disrespecting supporters throughout the match.

The statement reads: “The Honduran Football Federation (FFH) regrets and strongly condemns the isolated actions of a small group of fans that do not represent the respectful behaviour of our fans as a whole. These incidents, which are absolutely reprehensible, do not define the conduct of the majority of those attending the stadium, and we therefore censure the acts against the coach of the Mexican national team that occurred at the end of the match.

"Likewise, the FFH categorically rejects the words, obnoxious gestures and provocative attitudes on the part of the coach of the Mexican national team, who insulted and provoked the Honduran fans from the beginning of the match. This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable in soccer, as it represents an obvious provocation and incitement to violence and a lack of respect for the fans watching the match in the stadium or on television. Therefore, in a respectful but firm manner, we call on CONCACAF to apply the regulations to this type of actions by people who, due to their status as public figures, should be an example of education and good behaviour. The FFH reiterates its commitment to fair play and the sporting values that should prevail in soccer."

Despite the FFH's laying much of the blame at Mexico's coach, CONCACAF has condemned the assault on the 65-year-old and referred the case to the its Disciplinary Commission for an investigation.

A statement reads: "The safety of teams and fans is a priority for CONCACAF. Such violent behaviour has no place in football."

In contrast to the FFH, Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda said: "This cannot happen again, not here, not in any stadium in Honduras, nor in any stadium in the world. I am sad because he [Aguirre] is a human being, because just as they hit the coach, they could have hit me; he was coming to greet me at that moment."

While some sort of punishment is likely to come Honduras' way, the second leg of this quarter-final with Mexico will take place on November 20.