Matador fined for fleeing from bull in Mexico

A matador has been 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.

He was released soon 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 that is rarely seen in the bravado world of bullfighting, Hernandez made a spin with his red cape at the charging bull, then apparently changed his mind about the contest and ran across the ring to leap headlong over the wall to safety, dropping his cape in the process. The crowd booed 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.