One Miami, Florida teen was arrested at the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament after he and other members of the Miami and Orlando soccer teams - and their parents - clashed following an intense game, news sources report. Information regarding the teen's identity was not available due to his status as a minor. He was booked into police custody on charges of felony battery. No one else appears to have been arrested, and as of now it is not known why the boy was singled out. It is unclear whether the defendant is being held at a detention center or if he has qualified for bail bond. It is not yet known whether the defendant or his parents have hired a lawyer.
"Everybody got in the fight, not just [the defendant], the whole team, so I think both teams should be paying the price, not just one person," said Christian Jimenez, one of the players. His opinion seems to reflect a wider confusion as to why just one teenager was arrested, especially when adults were also involved in the fight. A Pachuca FC Miami representative has even suggested that racism may be at play; the defendant may be Hispanic, according to reports. Police are likely still investigating the incident and it is unclear whether more people will be arrested for their role in the brawl.
The Pachuca FC Miami soccer team, which the defendant reportedly plays for, is part of the Pachuca Football Club, a subsidiary of the 90 Minutes Foundation. Following the incident, the foundation released a statement, saying, "The 90 minutes Foundation regrets these unfortunate events and is concerned about injuries to players and spectators. We wish any persons injured at the game a quick and speedy recovery." It is not clear whether any players will be suspended from the team due to the fight.