AS FAR complaint reignites debate: Will Al Ahly be forced to play the quarter-finals without fans? | OneFootball

Bottle-throwing incidents draw formal response

AS FAR complaint reignites debate: Will Al Ahly be forced to play the quarter-finals without fans?

Moroccan club AS FAR confirmed they have filed official complaint to CAF over crowd incidents during their Champions League match against Al Ahly.

What happened during the match?

AS FAR have announced that they submitted formal complaint to Confederation of African Football following crowd trouble during their CAF Champions League group-stage match against Al Ahly.

The match played in Cairo as part of matchday 6 of the group stage, ended in 0-0 draw. Despite the result, the game was overshadowed by incidents involving some Al Ahly supporters.

AS FAR condemn “unacceptable behavior”

In official statement, AS FAR strongly condemned what they described as unsporting behavior from sections of the home crowd. The club said bottles were thrown toward their players and technical staff creating direct threat to safety on the pitch.

AS FAR confirmed that their management has taken immediate action by sending an official letter to CAF calling for the application of disciplinary measures in line with the competition’s regulations.

The club stressed that the move is aimed at protecting sporting values and ensuring the safety of players & staff.

Calls for fair treatment from CAF

The situation gained further attention after comments from Ahmed Hamoudan, a key AS FAR player.

He publicly asked CAF to apply the law fairly and equally reminding the governing body that AS FAR had previously accepted sanctions imposed on their own supporters.

Hamoudan said he hoped CAF would show the same firmness in dealing with the incidents in Cairo especially after reports of bottle-throwing and delays affecting the Moroccan team.

Despite the controversy both teams secured qualification to Champions League quarter-finals. Al Ahly finished top of the group with 10 point while AS FAR ended second with 9 point.