Mexican bullfighter fighting for life after goring

A bull attacks a rejoneador (mounted bullfighter) and his horse during a bullfight event at the Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico in Mexico City on February 9, 2024. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP)

A Mexican bullfighter was fighting for his life on Monday after being gored in the neck over the weekend during a show in the central state of Tlaxcala, medics said.

Jose Alberto Ortega was kneeling when he was charged by the bull on Saturday, leaving him lying wounded in the ring before he managed to get up and run behind a barrier.

READ: Thousands in Madrid demand end to bullfighting

According to a medical report issued by the bullring, the 26-year-old suffered a fractured skull and damage to his eye, jaw, ear and neck.

He underwent surgery and is in a “very serious” condition with life-threatening injuries, it said.

Tlaxcala is a bastion of bullfighting, which was brought by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century but faces a possible ban in the capital Mexico City due to a legal battle launched by animal rights activists.