The final round of the CAF Champions League group stage witnessed unfortunate events that marred the Arab derby between Egypt's Al Ahly and Morocco's FAR Rabat, held at Cairo International Stadium. The match was not merely a sporting contest on the pitch, but rather a scene of tension and altercations that could cast a shadow over both teams' futures in the upcoming knockout rounds.
The spark of the crisis and the clash between the players
Signs of a breakdown in decorum began to emerge clearly in the final minutes of the first half, specifically in the 41st minute, when a physical altercation between Al Ahly winger Taher Mohamed Taher and FAR Rabat captain Mohamed Rabie Harimat escalated into a heated verbal exchange. The situation quickly deteriorated into a physical confrontation, leading to a tense standoff between the players of both teams and the intervention of coaching staff and substitutes – a scene unbecoming of African football.
Despite attempts by some level-headed individuals, such as Moroccan player Ashraf Bencharki, to intervene and contain the situation to calm his former and current teammates, the state of nervous tension prevailed, before the refereeing team managed with difficulty to regain control and resume play.
The match was stopped and the fans were furious
The tension didn't end with the halftime whistle or the altercations between the players; it spilled over into the stands at the start of the second half. In the 50th minute, the referee was forced to halt play for several minutes after some fans threw water bottles and other projectiles at the Moroccan team's players, posing a threat to their safety and requiring security intervention to secure the stadium perimeter.
Historical context: North African derbies
These events unfold within the context of the fierce historical rivalry between Egyptian and Moroccan clubs, known as the "North African derbies." These encounters have always been characterized by intense competition and passionate fan support, though they sometimes veer off the sporting scene due to psychological pressure and media and fan hype. This match is the latest in a series of encounters between Al Ahly and Moroccan clubs, which often garner significant continental and international attention given the teams' technical prowess and large fan bases.
CAF's guillotine and expected sanctions
Both teams are now subject to the regulations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with everyone awaiting the match commissioner's report, which will determine the extent of the penalties. Based on similar precedents, expectations point to the possibility of hefty fines for both clubs. Even more serious is the specter of administrative sanctions, which could include banning one or both teams from having fans attend the quarter-final match. This would be a significant blow to their chances of competing for the continental title, especially since fan support is a crucial factor in the knockout stages.
In recent years, the African Union has sought to implement strict standards to reduce riots and violence in stadiums, in order to preserve the image of the tournament and market it globally, which makes escaping punishment unlikely in light of the cameras documenting all the violations that occurred in both the first and second legs.
