AS FAR supporters condemn treatment received during the Champions League final in Pretoria

Supporters of AS FAR have strongly condemned the treatment they received from security personnel during the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against Mamelodi Sundowns FC in Pretoria.

In an official statement, the ultras group Curva Ch accused South African stadium security of using excessive force against Moroccan supporters inside Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“We strongly condemn the attacks on our supporters by South African security, which left many injured and caused cases of fainting,” the group stated.

“These scenes have nothing to do with the spirit of sport or the values of continental competition.”

Fans question treatment of Moroccan supporters abroad

The AS FAR ultras also criticised what they described as unfair treatment of Moroccan supporters outside the country compared to the hospitality foreign fans receive in Morocco.

“We are surprised by the way we are received outside our country, which is the opposite of the respect and welcome given to foreigners in Morocco,” the statement added.

“This raises serious questions about the criteria used to deal with Moroccan fans.”

The supporters stressed that their trip to South Africa was purely to support their team and represent Morocco positively during one of African football’s biggest occasions.

“We reject all forms of provocation and violence,” the group said.

“Our only purpose was to support our team and raise the national flag.”

Calls for accountability after chaotic scenes

The supporters also called on authorities to take responsibility for protecting fans travelling abroad for continental matches.

“We demand that the relevant authorities take responsibility for protecting Moroccan supporters and preserving their dignity both at home and abroad,” the statement continued.

The group additionally wished a speedy recovery to supporters injured during the incidents.

The controversy added to an already difficult night in Pretoria, where the match itself experienced several disruptions.

Troubled evening during CAF Champions League final

The encounter was temporarily affected by a VAR malfunction that delayed the start of the second half, while criticism also emerged regarding the poor condition of the pitch following a rugby match held at the stadium the previous day.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show clashes between rival supporters, objects being thrown inside the stadium and one AS FAR supporter falling from the tribunes during the chaotic scenes.

Despite the off-field incidents, Mamelodi Sundowns FC secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a first-half goal from Aubrey Modiba.

All eyes now on decisive second leg in Rabat

The return leg of the CAF Champions League final will take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, May 24.

AS FAR will attempt to overturn the one-goal deficit in front of their home supporters as fans continue demanding accountability following the violence and security incidents in Pretoria.