Moroccan authorities say a shop manager in Salé had nothing to do with the violence during the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final between Olympique de Safi and USM Alger.
A video showing a fan involved in trouble at Sunday night’s match spread quickly online. People on social media wrongly claimed the man was a store manager from Salé, which led to harassment and false accusations.
Investigators later confirmed the manager was not at the match and had no link to what happened. Officials are urging people to check facts before sharing posts that can damage someone’s reputation.
Why was the match tense
The game was part of the CAF Confederation Cup. Matches between Moroccan and Algerian clubs are often heated and attract strong fan reactions.
The second leg of the semi-final, played on Sunday 19 April, was delayed by 80 minutes after serious crowd trouble at Stade El Massira in Safi.
Algerian supporters jumped over security fences and invaded the pitch before kick-off, throwing pyros and chairs at home supporters on the stands. A Moroccan sports photographer was taken away on a stretcher after being hit in the head by an object thrown from the stands. Referees and players were forced back to the dressing rooms until the situation calmed.
The match eventually started at 9:20 pm.
USM Alger took the lead deep into first-half stoppage time when Ahmed Khaldi scored from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Olympique de Safi equalised in the 75th minute through substitute Moussa Koné, who scored with a header.
Despite the ridiculous 19 minutes of added time in the second half, Safi could not find a winner. The match finished 1-1. After a 0-0 first leg in Algiers, USM Alger reached the final on the away-goals rule.
The Algerian side will now face Zamalek SC in the two-leg final.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to review the disturbances. Clubs in similar cases have previously faced heavy fines and stadium bans. The presence of the Algerian consul general on the pitch during the delay added diplomatic sensitivity.
The Algerians could well play their final game behind closed doors.
