Matador arrested and fined for running away

A matador was fined after running away from a bull and leaping over the arena wall.

Christian Hernandez was arrested after Sunday's botched bullfight at the Plaza Mexico in Mexico City, apparently for breach of contract, local media reported.

He was released after paying the fine.

"There are some things you must be aware of about yourself," the 22-year-old Mexican matador said in a television interview.

"I didn't have the ability, I didn't have the balls, this is not my thing."

In a sight rarely seen in the bravado world of bullfighting, Hernandez made a spin with his red cape at the charging bull, then ran across the ring and leapt headlong over the wall to safety, dropping his cape in the process. The crowd hooted in derision.

Several months ago, another bull seriously gored Hernandez in the leg.

Officials did briefly convince Hernandez to return to the ring, where he put his hands over his head and pointed upward before he made a second exit, shaking his head.

He later said he would retire from bullfighting.

Video: Bullfighter abandons ring