Former SA-based coach Luc Eymael has mutually agreed to part ways with DRC club FC Saint Eloi Lupopo due to concerns over his safety.
The decision comes after the former Polokwane City FC and Black Leopards coach was attacked by the Lupopo fans at the airport in Kinshasa on Thursday.
Players from Lupopo and security personnel had to defend Eymael’s support staff from the angry fans while the head coach was whisked away for safety. The fallout between the fans and Eymael comes after two league play-off defeats against Aigles du Congo and Motema Pembe in the last seven days.
This is despite the former Free State Stars enjoying some success in the Central African country with both Lupopo and at his former side, Aigles du Congo.
DRC CLUB FC SAINT ELOI LUPOPO PART WAYS WITH BELGIAN COACH
“It’s official! Luc Eymael is no longer the coach of FC Lupopo. We warmly thank him for his commitment and professionalism throughout the past season,” the club said in a statement.
Eymael has since confirmed to FARPost that he reached a mutual agreement to part ways with the club because they could not guarantee his safety.
LUC EYMAEL CLARIFIES HIS DEPARTURE AFTER A FALL-OUT WITH FANS
“We got into a meeting with the chairman,” said Eymael. “He was a bit embarrassed, and I asked him if the security could not protect me at the airport. What will you do on Sunday if you lose in front of 30,000 people?
“We went to Kinshasa and won the first game [of the playoffs] and unfortunately, we lost the second game against the Eagles of Congo [Eymael’s former team]. Those fans started to attack us when we came out of the car.
“I was under protection while my staff was fighting. So my lawyer advised me that it was not safe for me to go back on Sunday because there will be around 30,000 people around the stadium. So we found a mutual agreement.”
RELATED STORY: DR Congo side backs Luc Eymael amid racism allegations