Rabat – FAR Rabat players were subjected to hostile acts from sections of Al Ahly supporters during their CAF Champions League group stage match at Cairo International Stadium.
The incident occurred at halftime, when the Moroccan team was heading toward the tunnel after the first 45 minutes.
As the players made their way off the pitch, bottles and other objects were thrown from the stands. Television cameras captured the moment, showing the danger faced by the squad. Security personnel quickly intervened, forming a protective corridor to shield the players and prevent further escalation.
The game itself carried high stakes, as both teams were battling for top positions in Group B. Al Ahly dominated possession but struggled to break down FAR’s compact defense.
The match ended 0-0, a result that confirmed FAR’s qualification for the quarterfinals with nine points, finishing second behind Al Ahly.
The violent scenes in Cairo have sparked debate over disciplinary measures. Earlier in the campaign, FAR Rabat were punished after crowd trouble in the first meeting between the two sides.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ordered the Moroccan club to play two matches behind closed doors. And many observers are now questioning whether CAF will apply the same principle of fairness and sanction Al Ahly for the misconduct of their fans.
CAF’s regulations stress player safety and the responsibility of host clubs to ensure secure conditions inside stadiums.
Incidents of violence, particularly those caught on broadcast footage, often lead to disciplinary hearings. With the evidence widely circulated, attention now turns to CAF’s Disciplinary Committee to decide whether Al Ahly will face similar penalties.
The coming days will reveal whether CAF enforces equal treatment in disciplinary matters.
For FAR Rabat, the focus now shifts to preparing for the knockout rounds, while the controversy surrounding fan behavior in Cairo continues to dominate discussion across African football.
