The Tunisian authorities have taken significant security measures to address the recurring incidents of violence at the Radès stadium, particularly during matches involving Espérance de Tunis. These measures are implemented in preparation for the second leg of the Champions League (CAF) final against Al Ahly du Cairo. Some of the notable precautions include:
- Reduced Seating Capacity: Only 35,000 out of the 60,000 available seats at the Radès stadium will be occupied for the upcoming match.
- Heavy Police Surveillance: The venue will be under intensive police surveillance 48 hours prior to the start of the match.
- Age Restriction: Children and adolescents will not be allowed access to the stands. Only Espérance supporters aged 20 or older will be authorized to attend the match.
- Identity Card Checks: Rigorous identity card checks will be conducted at the entrance of the stadium and in a broader surrounding area.
These preventive measures aim to curb the incidents of violence that have marred previous Espérance matches in Tunis. Historical instances, such as the 2010 incident where projectiles were thrown at officials during a trophy presentation, highlight the need for enhanced security measures. The measures also address incidents from the previous year despite Espérance’s victory against Wydad Casablanca.
The actions taken by Tunisian authorities reflect their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of spectators and participants during football matches, with the hope of preventing any recurrence of violence and disturbances in the future.
