DRC: The TP Mazembe - Lupopo clásico descends into chaos, violence erupts and match abandoned in Lubumbashi | OneFootball

A repeat of a tarnished reputation

جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية: كلاسيكو تي بي مازيمبي - لوبوبو ينتهي بفوضى، مشاهد عنف وتوقف المباراة في لوبومباشي

The Lubumbashi derby between TP Mazembe and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, played this Sunday, March 8 at the TP Mazembe Stadium as part of Linafoot Ligue 1, spiraled into violence. What was supposed to be a grand celebration of Congolese football turned into chaos, with projectiles thrown, damaged stands, and several injuries, forcing officials to call off the match for good.

From the opening minutes, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Supporters from both sides, who had turned out in force for this Group A showdown in the Congolese championship, soon gave way to scenes of disorder.

According to multiple eyewitness accounts, projectiles were hurled from the stands onto the pitch. Water bottles, various objects, and even ripped-out seats were thrown into the arena. The situation escalated when fans began smashing chairs in the stands, causing significant material damage.

The stands were partially wrecked, and several people were injured in the confusion, some struck by projectiles or jostled in the crowd surges.

Pitch invasion and police intervention

The crisis reached its peak when supporters stormed onto the pitch, making it impossible for the match to continue. With tensions soaring, the referee and his assistants were forced to retreat to the locker rooms under protection.

Police intervened in an attempt to restore order. Tear gas was reportedly used to disperse the most violent groups and prevent the situation from escalating further.

Amid this climate of insecurity, players and technical staff from both teams were also ordered back to the dressing rooms, bringing the match to an abrupt halt.

Hasty escape for Lupopo camp

For FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, the situation was especially alarming. According to several sources, players, staff, and club officials were forced to leave the scene in haste for their own safety.

The team’s official bus was left parked and empty outside the stadium, with club members choosing to escape by other means as the situation spiraled out of control.

Despite the presence of security forces, numerous witnesses described an atmosphere of panic and the difficulty of controlling supporters both inside and outside the stadium.

A dark day for Congolese football

These incidents once again cast a shadow over the image of Congolese football, as the derby between TP Mazembe and FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo is usually regarded as one of the country's most prestigious fixtures.

The National Football League (Linafoot) is expected to launch an investigation to establish responsibility and determine possible sanctions. Tighter security measures could also be introduced to prevent such incidents from recurring in future matches.

While awaiting official decisions, this Lubumbashi derby will be remembered for a sad display of violence and destruction—far removed from the sporting spirit that football is meant to embody.