No further discipline for Canada, Mexico after bench-clearing brawl

The fallout from Canada’s bench-clearing brawl with Mexico at the World Baseball Classic won’t spill over into Sunday’s crucial game against the United States.

World Baseball Classic officials have decided not to take further action against any if the players involved in the fight that occurred in Canada’s 10-3 rout of Mexico on Saturday. Three Canadian and four Mexican players were ejected after the melee.

“We are extremely disappointed in the bench-clearing incident that marred the conclusion of today’s game between Canada and Mexico. The episode runs counter to the spirit of sportsmanship and respectful competition for which the World Baseball Classic has stood throughout its history.” World Baseball Classic, Inc., said in a statement.

“Because at least one club — and potentially both — will not advance to the second round, WBCI has determined that disciplinary measures would not have a meaningful corrective impact. Thus, discipline will not be imposed beyond today’s seven game ejections. It is our firm expectation that the members of Team Mexico, Team Canada and all the tournament’s participating teams will learn from this incident and set a better example — one that befits the sport they share — in the future.”

Tensions boiled over in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game after Canada’s Rene Tosoni was hit by a pitch. The incident happened because the Mexicans were upset about Canada running up the score, although run differential is a potentially important tie-breaking statistic at the WBC.

The verbal jousting escalated into a fight that included players such as centre-fielder Tyson Gillies and reliever Jay Johnson exchanging punches with Mexican players.

Tosoni, Johnson and second baseman Pete Orr were the Canadians ejected.

Canada can advance to the second round of the WBC for the first time with a win over the United States on Sunday.