Al Ahly SC have been ordered to play matches behind closed doors after disciplinary action by the Confederation of African Football following crowd trouble during their CAF Champions League match against AS FAR in Cairo.
CAF confirmed that Al Ahly supporters will be banned from attending two Champions League matches. The second ban is suspended, subject to future conduct.
The club has also been fined $50,000, with an additional $10,000 penalty linked to the use of laser pointers during the game. The total financial sanction amounts to $60,000.
The decision follows incidents at halftime, when AS FAR players were targeted by some home supporters. As the Moroccan side headed towards the tunnel, bottles and other objects were thrown from the stands.
Television footage showed security staff forming a protective corridor to escort the players safely from the pitch.
Al Ahly will face Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the quarter-finals on 15 March. The match will be played without spectators due to the sanction.
Meanwhile, Pyramids FC will meet AS FAR in the first leg of their quarter-final on 13 March in Rabat. That match will also take place behind closed doors, following earlier disciplinary measures against the Moroccan club.
The absence of supporters could have a sporting and financial impact. Al Ahly are known for the strong atmosphere at Cairo International Stadium, and losing that advantage in a knockout tie is significant. Both clubs will also miss out on matchday revenue from high profile fixtures.
CAF has faced pressure in recent seasons to ensure greater consistency in disciplinary decisions.
