Sundowns apologise to Esperance while disputing fan behaviour
Mamelodi Sundowns have apologised to Esperance for the “unruly behaviour” during their recent clash, but their statement contradicts the Tunisian club’s report on who initiated the trouble.
The Brazilians picked up a 1-0 victory over the North African giants in the CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday.
Violent clashes broke out in the stands moments after the final whistle. Esperance fans appeared to ignite the confrontation by throwing objects towards the home supporters.
The Sundowns fans reacted in self-defense, and as the Esperance contingent found themselves outnumbered, a chaotic scene unfolded with many attempting to escape and falling over multiple rows of empty seats.
As a result, a few fans sustained injuries, and medical officials provided on-site treatment to some. Esperance also claimed that some of their supporters had to be admitted to hospital.
Sundowns have extended an apology to the North African club due to the fact that the “unruly behaviour” took place at their home venue.
However, the club asserts that available “videos and facts” point to the opposing team’s supporters as the initiators of the unrest against the ‘Yellow Nation’ and they are awaiting the findings of the CAF investigation.
SUNDOWNS ASSERT THAT VIDEOS POINT TO ESPERANCE AS INITIATORS OF ‘UNRULY BEHAVIOUR’
“Mamelodi Sundowns is deeply saddened by the unruly behaviour that was displayed yesterday [01 April] at its CAF Champions League quarterfinal match against Espérance de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium,” the club stated via a statement.
“Videos circulating on social media depict malicious damage to the stadium and the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters retreating from violent conduct that was initiated against them, including flares and pepper spray when the incident started.
“Sundowns awaits a full report from the Match Commissioner and is committed to cooperating with CAF to finalise its investigation ahead of the return leg.
“Espérance de Tunis is a respected sports institution in Africa, and we trust that once all the evidence is reviewed, our brothers and sisters at Espérance will also denounce this behaviour and take the necessary steps to ensure that the next encounter is one where all supporters feel safe and welcome.
“We are confident that the investigation will identify the circumstances that gave rise to the unruly behaviour.
“However, in accordance with our African culture of compassion and empathy [our African culture of Ubuntu] we are required to apologise to Espérance de Tunis and its supporters as the unruly behaviour took place at our home stadium, despite the videos and facts indicating that the Sundowns supporters did not initiate the unruly behaviour.”
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