In Mexico, Violence Scars the Game GUADALAJARA, Mexico - The Mexican league restarted last weekend after its winter break, and it may have also reached a point of no return in violent incidents associated with, but peripheral, to the sport. The incidents also may help Mexicans" overcome their reluctance to discuss unpleasant subjects, especially when it comes to soccer, previously a refuge from the country's all-too violent reality. The detention and arraignment in Monterrey of goalkeeper Omar Ortiz, known as El Gato (the cat), who was serving a suspension for use of steroids, was a shocker. Ortiz apparently was involved in a kidnapping ring tied to the Gulf Cartel, reportedly tipping kidnappers to the habits of well-heeled acquaintances acquired during his years as a soccer star. Ortiz is reported to have confessed and could face 50 years in jail. In Querétaro, América defeated Querétaro 2-0 Sunday, which augurs well for new coach, Miguel Herrera, who was hired to restore the Mexico City club to glory. After the match, Christian Bringas, 16, was stabbed to death in a skirmish among fans on the highway between Mexico City and Querétaro. The apparent reason was the roadside stoppage of buses carrying members of the hard-core fan groups, La Monumental and Ritual del Kaos, back to the capital. Two other people were injured. On Tuesday, another version of this event was detailed. Reforma, a Mexico City newspaper, reported that residents of the town El Colorado, confronted América fans because in two previous roadside stops, the hooligans had rampaged through and stolen from local stores. The third time, the locals were prepared for the fans from the buses. It is unclear how many soccer fans have died in Mexico, but there has been an increase in incidents since 1996, when Pachuca brought in leaders of Argentine Barra Bravas to tutor Mexicans in fan songs and tactics. "As they did in Argentina, hard-core fans realized there was money to be made in reselling tickets, and intimidation," said Omar Perez, who writes about soccer in Guadalajara. It appears that the pervasive violence in Mexico is beginning to affect the sport. In August, a shootout erupted outside the stadium in Torreón, forcing a stoppage of a match between Santos and Morelia. Players and coaches have been victims of kidnappings in Mexico. Most notably the case of Coach Rubén Romano, who was kidnapped as he left a Cruz Azul training session in Mexico City; Romano was found after 60 days by the police. But the arrest of Ortiz puts a player among the perpetrators. According to the police, Ortiz would identify people who were able to pay ransoms of about $90,000. For each kidnapping and successful ransom payment, he would reportedly receive about $10,000. Has soccer fallen victim to the violence pervading Mexican soccer? Do you think it will get worse? What do you think it means for the game's future in Mexico? Keyvan Antonio Heydari is an international soccer broadcaster and journalist. Follow him on Twitter at keyvan9.