Just hours before their first African Champions League group stage match against TP Mazembe, MC Alger were hit with a severe sanction from CAF on Monday November 25.
During the second preliminary round second leg against US Monastir (2-0) last September, serious incidents broke out during the MCA’s first match at its new Stade Ali La Pointe in Douera. The match was disrupted by clashes between fans and police, the destruction of seats and the use of smoke bombs on the pitch.
The most tragic of these events was the death of a young fan, which sparked off a major controversy.
Following an investigation, the Confederation of African Football decided to sanction the Algerian club with four matches behind closed doors, two of which were suspended, as well as a $50,000 fine.
As a result, MCA fans will be unable to attend the forthcoming home matches against Young Africans (December 7) and Al-Hilal (December 14). The club has appealed against this decision, citing failings in the security arrangements for the events. Pending the CAF’s response, this sanction represents a major blow for the Doyen, who will start the group phase without the support of their fans. We shall be keeping a close eye on this matter.
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