A shocking incident that occurred during last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup at Levi’s Stadium has taken a legal turn as Emmanuel Diaz Leal Soto, a soccer fan who was stabbed during the event, has filed a lawsuit against the city of Santa Clara and the San Francisco 49ers. Soto alleges that the lack of proper security measures allowed someone to bring a knife into the venue, leading to his life-threatening injuries.
The incident took place on July 2, 2023, during a match between Mexico and Qatar at Levi’s Stadium, which is managed by the NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. A fight erupted in the stands, and Soto was stabbed near the upper collarbone. The attacker was later arrested at his Sacramento home on suspicion of attempted murder.
In his lawsuit, Soto argues that the game was a “high-profile” event between two known rivals and should have been staffed with adequate security. He claims that his injuries could have been prevented through reasonable measures, such as ejecting individuals exhibiting disorderly conduct or violent behavior. The lawsuit further alleges that the stadium failed to employ appropriate technology or devices to prevent the entry of weapons like the one used in the attack.
Soto has suffered physical pain, emotional distress, loss of income, and medical expenses as a result of the stabbing. Seeking justice, he is demanding more than $35,000 in damages.
This incident has raised concerns about the overall security at Levi’s Stadium, particularly with the upcoming Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to be held there in 2026. The spotlight has turned to Francine Melendez Hughes, the stadium’s new general manager of operations, who previously held an executive position overseeing stadium security for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011.
Both Levi’s Stadium and the city of Santa Clara have refrained from commenting on the lawsuit. However, a spokesperson for the stadium mentioned that their security protocols are regularly evaluated, and an internal investigation is underway in collaboration with the Santa Clara Police to identify areas for improvement.
As the legal battle unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures in sporting events, especially when tensions run high between rival teams and passionate fans.
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Title: Soccer Fan Stabbed at Levi’s Stadium Files Lawsuit Against City of Santa Clara, 49ers
Website: NBC Bay Area
URL: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/soccer-fan-stabbed-at-levis-stadium-files-lawsuit-against-city-of-santa-clara