Sundowns concerned over stadium violence, await investigation outcome
The team has expressed their deep sadness over the unruly behaviour displayed at Loftus Stadium, which resulted in injuries and chaos among supporters.
The Mamelodi Sundowns have voiced their concern regarding the recent violent altercations that took place during their CAF Champions League quarter-final match against Espérance de Tunis on April 1.
In a statement, the team expressed their deep sadness over the unruly behaviour displayed at Loftus Stadium, which resulted in injuries and chaos among supporters.
The club highlighted the malicious damage to the stadium and the harrowing experience faced by Sundowns supporters, who were subjected to flares and pepper spray during the incident.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the Brazilians are awaiting a full report from the Match Commissioner and are committed to co-operating with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to finalise their inquiry ahead of the return leg scheduled for April 8.
The club emphasised their respect for Espérance de Tunis and expressed hope that their counterparts would also denounce the unacceptable behaviour exhibited during the match.
“Espérance de Tunis is a respected sports institution in Africa. 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,” read the statement.
The Brazilians also issued an apology to Espérance de Tunis and its supporters, acknowledging that while evidence indicates their fans did not initiate the violence, the altercation took place at their home stadium.
This statement follows confirmation from provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi that 13 individuals were injured during the chaotic events at the stadium.
Imaege: Facebook/Mazilitha
She said that police intervention included the use of stun grenades to disperse the crowd.
“A case of public violence was registered, and no one was arrested,” she added.
The motive behind the violence is yet to be determined, although it is speculated that the defeat may have been a contributor.
The extent of the damage caused to the stadium is unclear; however, barriers and gates were destroyed.
CAF had cautioned fans recently not to use laser lights or flares known as smoke bombs.
But it seems the North African fans disobeyed the directives and threw flares at their counterparts, which ultimately sparked a fight with home fans.
Image: Facebook/Mazilitha
The situation spiralled out of control as some fans climbed over barriers and fights broke out, prompting security to step in and intervene.
The Tunisian sports club Al-Taraji also issued a statement on Facebook confirming that three of their fans were hospitalised but were stable and receiving treatment.
They reassured their supporters that all fans had returned safely to Johannesburg, and they are preparing a comprehensive report for CAF regarding the violence inflicted upon their fans.
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