The Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC] side Saint Eloi-Lupopo have addressed what they say are unfounded allegations of mistreatment towards Orlando Pirates last weekend.
Pirates lost 3-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League Second Preliminary Round encounter against Lupopo in Lubumbashi on Sunday.
The two teams will now meet in the second leg at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. There have been videos circulating on social media platforms of rifts between the two camps before and after the match at the Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba.
There have also been allegations that Lupopo deliberately provided deplorable logistical conditions to Pirates during their recent stay in Lubumbashi. However, Lupopo, who arrived in South Africa on Thursday afternoon, have refuted the claims.
SAINT ELOI-LIPOPO DENY ALLEGATIONS OF MISTREATMENT TOWARDS ORLANDO PIRATES
“These accusations are completely unfounded, slanderous, and seriously undermine the reputation of our club and the values of respect and fair play that are dear to us,” the club said in a statement on Thursday.
“Football Club Saint Eloi Lupopo has always complied with the rules of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the highest standards of hospitality when hosting its opponents.
“As part of this Champions League match, we have implemented all necessary arrangements to ensure a professional welcome for the Orlando Pirates Football Club team, including hotel, transport and training facilities.”
DRC SIDE REFUTES CLAIMS THAT THREE GOALS WERE DISALLOWED AGAINST THE BUCCANEERS
Lupopo also took aim at a specific on-field claim that surfaced after the match, which South African fans were unable to watch live.
The DRC side refuted allegations that Pirates scored three goals during the game that were subsequently disallowed by the officials. The club stated this information was “completely false and in no way reflects the reality of the events observed on the pitch.”
“The Club, in addition to deploring the malicious insinuations made to discredit a legitimate victory on the pitch, categorically denies the unfounded allegation that Orlando Pirates Football Club scored three goals that were subsequently disallowed. This information is completely false and in no way reflects the reality of the events observed on the pitch.
“We deeply regret that this false information, whose sole purpose appears to be to destabilise our club, has been relayed. The Club reserves the right to take legal action against the perpetrators of these defamatory allegations in order to protect its image and interests.”
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