A scuffle over a parking spot touched off the stabbings of three men in a parking lot outside Sports Authority Field after the Broncos’ loss to the Chargers on Thursday night, Denver police said Friday.

“It does not appear this was related to the outcome of the game,” Sgt. Steve Warneke said in a YouTube video released by the department. “It does not appear this was Broncos versus Chargers.”

The violence began after the suspect pulled out of a parking space and nearly hit the victims’ vehicle. Witnesses said the two sides exchanged words, which touched off a fight in the parking lot, where scores of people were getting in their cars to leave. One witness, who would not give his name for fear of his safety, said the scene erupted into chaos.

A suspect later identified as Justin Manzanares, 29, “pulled out a fixed-bladed knife from a sheath he was wearing on his belt” and stabbed or cut the men, according to an arrest affidavit. Manzanares was being held in the Downtown Denver Detention Center for investigation of three counts of aggravated assault.

The victims were expected to survive their wounds, police said. Police on Thursday night said there was a fourth victim, but Warneke said that person hasn’t surfaced.

Police were called to Lot F just before 10 p.m. on reports of a large fight. Two other men were taken into custody and later released.

The victims were among a group of people, many of them families with young children, who tailgate at every home game, said Richard Witholder, a member of the group. It’s always a lighthearted affair, with fans enjoying food and togetherness.

Despite the Broncos’ 27-20 loss to the Chargers, the mood in the lot seemed calm, if not somber, after the game, he said.

“But that’s always the way it is when the Broncos lose,” Witholder said. “We’re all a little shook up. It’s a different perspective this morning than it was last night.”

Additional police officers are always on hand at home games, some of them on bicycles and others posted at intersections, in case tempers flare.

The stabbings were just the latest case of stadium violence.

A man died after an altercation Dec. 1 in Kansas City after the Broncos beat the Chiefs. A Dallas Cowboys fan was beaten by Oakland Raiders fans after a Dallas victory Thanksgiving Day at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The assault left the fan unconscious on a sidewalk, but he survived.

Witholder said he didn’t think the violence Thursday was related to the game. Police said it was unclear whether the victims knew the suspect.

Sadie Gurman: 303-954-1661, sgurman@denverpost.com or twitter.com/sgurman