A children's wrestling match descended into chaos as a massive brawl broke out among the parents of the competitors at the Alejandro Urgellés Multi-Purpose Hall in Santiago de Cuba. This venue is currently hosting the 60th edition of the National School Games. According to journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who reported the incident on social media, tensions boiled over on Saturday, leading to a disruption of the event.
Eyewitnesses informed Mayeta that the altercation began when a parent, upset over his child's loss, started insulting the opponent and their family. The victor's parent retaliated, sparking a heated argument that quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. "Knives were being pulled out, and I don't understand why they would bring weapons to a children's event," a source told the reporter.
During the melee, one parent deployed pepper spray, causing panic and dispersal among the crowd. Unfortunately, some children were affected, with three requiring hospitalization at the North Children's Hospital due to breathing difficulties, Mayeta reported. "Parents were washing their children's faces, and one man was even searching for a file to continue the fight," the source added.
A video shared by the journalist on Facebook captures the pandemonium that erupted at the children's competition. Amidst the chaos, referees can be heard shouting at the parents, threatening to halt the match if they didn't calm down. Despite these warnings, the violence not only persisted but spilled outside of the venue.
Numerous online users condemned the violence witnessed at the scene, questioning how a children's event could devolve into such disorder. Many expressed that violence seems to be a common reaction among Cubans in various situations. "It's embarrassing how Cubans solve everything with fights, shouting, and machetes. This happens everywhere they go. Even at a children's competition, the parents cause such a mess. Keep this up, and things will only get worse. It's a battle for everything, yet they lack the courage to go out and demand freedom for Cuba," one commented.
"How sad for the children to see their parents acting violently. They were happily performing for their parents' delight," wrote another individual.
This incident is reminiscent of a violent episode last year in Havana, where a large-scale fight broke out during a teenage event near the Finca de los Monos. The footage from that event showed the presence of armed gangs wielding machetes and victims suffering from knife wounds.
Understanding the Violence at Children's Events in Cuba
What sparked the brawl at the children's wrestling event in Santiago de Cuba?
The fight began when a parent, upset over his child's loss, insulted the opponent and their family, leading to a retaliatory response and an escalation into violence.
How did the authorities respond to the incident?
The referees threatened to suspend the event if the parents did not calm down, yet the brawl continued and extended outside the venue.
Were there any injuries reported during the altercation?
Yes, three children were hospitalized due to breathing difficulties caused by pepper spray deployed during the fight.