The Algerian Football Federation and local clubs in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup are pleading with supporters to steer clear of unruly antics that could trigger harsh penalties from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
With key matches on the horizon, the stakes are high for teams like CS Constantine and MC Alger.
CS Constantine, set to welcome USM Alger on Wednesday for the Confederation Cup quarter-final first leg, emphasized the need for decorum.
In a Tuesday Facebook post titled “Our morals are the basis of our strength,” the club urged fans to cheer “away from any fanaticism or negative behavior, not to light flares, avoid throwing projectiles of any kind, and refrain from anything that could harm the club and result in penalties.”
MC Alger, gearing up to host South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final, echoed the sentiment. Its management encouraged fans to “show sportsmanship and honor the oldest Algerian club and the national flag,” trusting in their “sophistication and awareness” to avoid lasers or tossing fireworks and bottles onto the pitch.
The FAF highlighted CAF’s earlier fines totaling $300,000 for fireworks incidents this season, plus a stern warning further missteps could ban fans from future games. With a potential semi-final looming, clubs are desperate for supporters to rally responsibly.