Chaos in Safi: USM Alger Supporters Spark Violent Clashes; Match Proceeds Despite Riots
The CAF Confederation Cup semi-final second leg between Moroccan outfit Olympique de Safi (OCS) and USM Alger of Algeria was the scene of unacceptable violence at the El Massira Stadium in Morocco.
According to footage and eyewitness reports, USMA supporters forced through security barriers to invade the pitch minutes before kickoff. Armed with projectiles and using chairs ripped from the stands as weapons, they deliberately targeted journalists on the sidelines as well as Moroccan fans.
Several media professionals were injured, with faces bloodied, while broadcasting equipment was vandalised.
Kickoff was only made possible following the monumental efforts and exemplary mobilization of the Moroccan security forces and the organizing committee. They intervened with firmness and professionalism to clear the pitch, secure the entrances, and restore an environment that allowed the match to take place despite the extreme tension.
Compromised by this massive pitch invasion and the assaults initiated by the Algerian supporters, the match finally began one hour and twenty minutes behind schedule.
