ONWARD: Mamelodi Sundowns celebrate advancing to the CAF Champions League semi-finals against Esperance. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
CAF has come down hard on Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns following violent post-match incidents during their recent CAF Champions League clashes.
The Confederation of African Football’s Disciplinary Board handed out hefty fines and suspensions to both Premier Soccer League giants, along with Tunisian side Espérance and Algeria’s MC Alger, after crowd trouble marred what should have been celebrations of footballing triumph.
Sundowns had just secured a 1-0 aggregate win over Espérance in a tense semi-final clash, booking their spot in the CAF Champions League final.
But the focus quickly shifted from on-field heroics to ugly scenes in the stands as rival supporters clashed.
The cause of the unrest remains unclear, with CAF not revealing the spark behind the violence.
CAF found the Brazilians guilty of breaching multiple safety and security regulations. As a result, Sundowns were slapped with a R1.9 million fine (USD 100,000) and warned to urgently step up their matchday security.
Tensions rise at Loftus Versfeld Stadium during the CAF Champions League quarterfinal between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance de Tunis, as both clubs respond to reports of violence involving their supporters.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent NewspaperS
“CAF charged Mamelodi Sundowns for violations arising from their Champions League fixture against Espérance on April 1.
The club must strictly implement the safety and security measures outlined in CAF regulations,” the governing body said in a statement.
Espérance didn’t escape unscathed. The Tunisian outfit was hit with a heavier R2.85 million fine (USD 150,000) for the conduct of their fans during the same match.
Back home, Pirates faced disciplinary action following their tense quarter-final second-leg against MC Alger at Orlando Stadium on April 9.
The Buccaneers advanced on aggregate after a goalless draw, but celebrations were overshadowed by crowd disturbances and alleged misconduct from club personnel.
Pirates were handed a total fine of R1.33 million (USD 70,000) – with R950,000 (USD 50,000) issued for the team’s improper conduct and an additional R380,000 (USD 20,000) for inadequate stadium security.
Players Sipho Chaine and Nkosinathi Sibisi were also sanctioned, receiving one-match suspensions – both suspended for 12 months.
The club’s official, Ezekiel Matebula, received a four-match ban, with two matches suspended for a year.
“Orlando Pirates were charged with misconduct and failure to organise adequate security. Match official Ezekiel Matebula and players Chaine and Sibisi were found guilty of improper conduct,” read CAF’s verdict.
MC Alger were also found in violation of CAF codes. Assistant coach Mohamed Khezrouni received a four-match ban and a R285,000 fine (USD 15,000).
Midfielder Abdelkader Oussama Menezla was handed a two-match suspension, with one match suspended. The Algerian club was fined R1.9 million (USD 100,000) for the behaviour of its players and technical staff.
CAF’s firm action underscores the governing body’s intent to maintain order and safety during its flagship competition, especially as the stakes rise heading into the final rounds.
With a potential all-SA club CAF Champions League final looming, both South African clubs – particularly Sundowns – will now be under intense scrutiny to ensure better crowd control and team discipline.
