Mexico has erupted in fury after Pedro Caixinha likened fans who protested against him to hired killers who murder people for 10 pence.
The former Rangers manager is under fire at Cruz Azul after his side were knocked out of the Liga Mex playoffs this week.
A group of seething supporters turned up at Azul’s training ground in Mexico City in protest against Caixinha, who has been with the club since December 2017.
But the Portuguse questioned their motives and his words have provoked fury in the Central American nation.
He said: "The fans who came along to protest were bought.
"They were paid to come along and carry banners against me. It was all very staged.
"Remember, this is a country where you can pay someone to kill a man for two pesos (10p).
"Everything can be bought here."
But that's likely to see him get into trouble with the Mexican FA, who want to charge him for "inciting violence".
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And his own fans were outraged by the remark. Cruz Azul fans chief Angel Perez said: "Of course we were not paid. Who would pay us to do that?
"And to then link us with hired murderers is disgraceful. His words are a mockery to the Mexican nation."
Caixinha recently urged Cruz Azul fans to be more like Rangers supporters.
