CAIRO: CAF’s disciplinary committee will investigate the clashes which marred Ahly’s Champions League clash at home to Tunisia’s Esperance, the African governing body said on Wednesday.
Ahly claimed a 2-1 victory over Esperance at Cairo Stadium in the first leg of the competition’s semi finals but the exciting match was tarnished by some unfortunate incidents in the visitors’ stands.
Esperance supporters ripped up seats before letting off illegal fireworks after right-back Ahmed Fathi gave the hosts a 2-0 lead eight minutes past the hour mark.
TV cameras also caught a dozen of Esperance fans beating up two stewards, who were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Eleven Esperance fans were detained by Egyptian police and face charges of assaulting security personnel and causing unrest.
"The Confederation of African Football has received information provided by the officials and submitted the case to CAF Disciplinary Board," CAF said in a statement on its website.
"The case, after receiving all the relevant information and supporting documents for taking appropriate sanctions, will be heard at the next meeting of the CAF Disciplinary Board."
The Tunisian Football Federation and the country’s ambassador to Egypt apologized for the violent acts of some Esperance fans on Tuesday.
Ahly said they would not file a complaint against the 22-time Tunisian champions but called on CAF to start a crackdown on rioters.
"Fair play is an essential part of football," CAF, which was criticized by Ahly for preferring to fine the culprits rather than imposing tough sanctions on them, added.
"CAF reiterates its call to all National Associations, as well as clubs, players and supporters to join forces on and off the field of play to promote the spirit of fair play in all CAF competitions."
