Report: Mexico manager Herrera hit journalist at Philadelphia airport
The Gold Cup is over, but it appears the drama didn't quite end with Mexico's triumph over Jamaica on Sunday night.
Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera reportedly punched sports anchor Christian Martinoli of TV Azteca at the Philadelphia airport on Monday -- one day after Mexico clinched the Gold Cup with a 3-1 win over the Reggae Boyz.
Martinoli, who has been critical of Herrera during El Tri's Gold Cup run, told AS Mexico that he ran into the Mexico national team when he got past security at the airport. There, Herrera allegedly punched him in the neck, then challenged him to a fight outside.
Another source confirmed the events to AS Mexico, saying Herrera told Martinoli they should leave the terminal and head to the street to "fix this like it should be fixed."
Mexican journalist @medranoazteca reporting Miguel Herrera hit TV commentator Martinoli in Philly airport this morn. https://t.co/IaOxX75WF8
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 27, 2015
The Associated Press reported that Martinoli claimed Herrera wanted to hit him again but could not when Luis Garcia, another sports commentator, got between the two.
The Mexican Soccer Federation did not respond to requests for comment about Martinoli's allegations about the incident Sunday, and Herrera did not comment.
Azteca issued a statement calling for "a prompt and urgent investigation" of the incident.
"We are surprised and concerned by the behavior of the national team coach," the statement said. "The Mexican Soccer Federation should not allow attacks like the one suffered by our colleague."
Herrera gained notoriety for his effusive celebrations at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
--The Asscoated Press contributed to this report
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