Costa Rica coach Wanchope in stadium fistfight in Panama

PANAMA CITY --

Costa Rica coach Paulo Wanchope found himself in a fistfight while watching his country's under-23 team play in Panama.

Videos show Wanchope trying to enter the field through a gate in the stands. He appears to push a youth guarding the gate and then clashes with a man who punches and kicks him before police intervene.

Local news reports indicate Wanchope was irritated at refereeing during Tuesday night's pre-Olympic match, which ended 0-0.

Wanchope took over Costa Rica's team last year after a career as one of Central America's most famous forwards. He played for several years in the English Premier league and was a star on the national team.

Mexico last month fired its national team coach Miguel Herrera for allegedly punching a television broadcaster.

Costa Rica's soccer federation said in a statement that it was waiting to compile all the information available before commenting on the incident.