Esperance files CAF complaint after Loftus violence, gives update on 3 hospitalised fans
Esperance have announced their intention to file a complaint with CAF following the ugly scenes of fan violence that marred the match against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Tunisian giants also gave an update on the condition of three fans who were hospitalised.
Following Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Esperance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Tuesday in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie, violent clashes erupted between supporters.
The chaos began shortly after the final whistle, with Esperance fans seemingly initiating the confrontation on the stands.
Esperance supporters were seen breaching barriers, engaging in physical altercations with Sundowns fans, and damaging stadium infrastructure. Security and police struggled to contain the situation, leading to injuries among fans. Some Esperance supporters sought refuge on the field, and the police later escorted them out of the stadium. A few injured Esperance fans received medical treatment near the changerooms.
ESPERANCE CONFIRMS FAN SAFETY, HOSPITALISED STABLE
Notably, a Sundowns supporter was seen assisting an Esperance fan who nearly fell from the grandstand. However, in a statement, Esperance claimed that their fans were “exposed to violence” in Pretoria and confirmed that they will file a complaint with CAF regarding the incidents.
“The Tunisian Sports Al-Taraji assures all the Al-Tarji fans, especially the families of loved ones who have migrated to South Africa, that all our supporters are fine and have returned to Johannesburg safe and sound,” said Esperance.
“The club’s management has ensured to secure and provide the necessary transport to leave the stadium and take them to the train station. The Tunisian sportsman Al-Taraji informs all their fans that the three loved ones who were taken to the hospital are in stable condition and are in the process of receiving treatment.
“We, as Tunisian sportsmen, Al-Taraji, confirm that we are preparing a complete file containing all the documents and supports that benefit our fans who are exposed to violence in Pretoria and will send it to the African Football Confederation [CAF].”
Esperance also added that they will take all necessary steps to “defend the rights of their supporters.
ESPERANCE ALLEGES SEGREGATED FAN ZONES WERE COMPROMISED AT LOFTUS
In addition, the Tunisian side said they have documentation proving organisational failures at Loftus, which “contradict agreements made during the pre-match technical meeting.”
The club also alleges that the stadium’s segregated fan zones were compromised during the second half, arguing that their fans were kept separate from Sundowns supporters, and they have evidence to support this claim. “We have all the supporters that document and confirm this and will be sent in the file that we prepared regarding all that happened in this match,” reads Esperance’s statement.
“The Tunisian Sports Al-Taraji has great confidence in their fans, who will be present in large numbers in the return match [on Tuesday in Tunis] to support the players and help them achieve the result that ensures us to qualify for the semis of this competition [Champions League].
“And we also have great confidence in the team to turn the data [one-goal deficit] in the second match and win the ticket to the semifinals.”
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