CAF Champions League: Rangers petition CAF over alleged vandalism by MC Alger supporters

Nigerian club Rangers International FC have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following alleged acts of vandalism and disorder involving supporters of Algeria’s MC Alger during their CAF Champions League match in Abeokuta.

Rangers have accused visiting supporters of destroying a stadium entrance gate, entering the venue without paying admission fees and vandalising seats during and after Sunday’s first-leg encounter.

The Nigerian side have called for urgent intervention from CAF and requested precautionary measures ahead of Friday’s return leg in Algiers, amid concerns over the incidents surrounding the fixture.

Rangers secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg, putting them in a strong position ahead of the return match. However, the result was overshadowed by reports of disorder involving some members of the visiting supporters’ contingent.

According to the allegations raised by Rangers, some MC Alger fans damaged stadium property and gained entry without paying the required gate fees. The club also accused the supporters of vandalising seats during and after the match.

The incidents reportedly escalated after the final whistle, when some MC Alger supporters stormed the tunnel in search of their head coach, Khaled Ben Yahia, following the defeat.

The circumstances surrounding the confrontation have raised concerns ahead of the second leg, with Rangers seeking CAF’s intervention to ensure appropriate security arrangements are put in place.

The Nigerian club’s petition places responsibility on the continental governing body to examine the reported incidents and consider measures to prevent a recurrence during Friday’s encounter.

With the return fixture scheduled to take place in Algiers, Rangers are seeking assurances that their delegation and other match participants will be protected.

CAF is yet to announce any decision regarding the petition or whether disciplinary proceedings will be initiated over the alleged misconduct.

The governing body’s response could prove significant as both clubs prepare for the decisive second leg, where MC Alger will look to overturn the two-goal deficit and Rangers aim to protect their advantage.

For now, the focus remains on the allegations raised by Rangers, the security arrangements for Friday’s match and whether CAF will take precautionary action before the teams meet again.