Camp Nou tensions overshadow Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Al Ahly

Several Al Ahly supporters were removed from Spotify Camp Nou after clashes with Barcelona fans during the Joan Gamper Trophy match on Wednesday.

The incident in the stands led to intervention from the Mossos d’Esquadra, the police force of Catalonia. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, dozens of Egyptian supporters were escorted out of the stadium after confrontations with Barcelona supporters.

The visiting fans were accompanied outside Spotify Camp Nou by police and private security staff. Video footage shared on social media appeared to show the operation as the supporters were taken away from the stands.

The post accompanying the footage said: “🚨❗️Varias decenas de aficionados egipcios han sido expulsados del campo por mantener trifulcas con aficionados del Barca🚔 Los Mossos d’Esquadra han tenido que hacer acto de presencia y, junto a la seguridad privada, han sido acompanados al exterior🎥@monfortcarlospic.twitter.com/ZmHXMs4W5M”

The disorder occurred during a match that Barcelona won 2-1 against Al Ahly in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy, the annual friendly tournament staged by the Catalan club before the start of the season.

Barcelona took the lead in the 30th minute when Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim scored against his former club. Raphinha then doubled the home side’s advantage from the penalty spot just before half-time, converting in the 45th minute.

Al Ahly reduced the deficit six minutes after the restart. Ahmed Sayed Zizo broke through one-on-one and finished with a powerful shot in the 51st minute to give the Egyptian side hope of a comeback.

Barcelona were awarded another penalty late in the game, but Anthony Gordon was unable to score a third goal for the hosts. The England international’s effort in the first minute of stoppage time was saved by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

Despite the late opportunity, Barcelona held on to secure victory in the pre-season fixture. The match was the latest staging of the Joan Gamper Trophy, which Barcelona organise annually ahead of the new campaign.

The focus after the final whistle, however, was also on events in the stands, where the clashes prompted the joint response from the Mossos d’Esquadra and the stadium’s private security personnel.