USM Alger players were involved in a violent altercation following their 0-0 draw against ASC Jaraaf in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, Dakar.
The incident occurred after the final whistle, leaving players and supporters shaken by the ensuing chaos.
The situation escalated when a confrontation broke out in the stands, though it remains unclear which side initially provoked the conflict.
USM Alger players were targeted during the disturbance, and shocking footage captured by Algerian media showed a teammate being carried to the locker room, presumably injured, by fellow players.
Agression sur les joueurs et les supporters de l’USM Alger au Sénégal après la fin du match face Jaaraf en coupe de la CAF.
Cc @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/BdFqtxMgwI— Chebli Ishaq (@IshaqChebli) December 8, 2024
The images depicted a Red and Black supporter, seemingly disoriented, being assisted by other USM fans as they tried to help him regain his composure.
In a video recorded by journalist Chebli Ishaq, a tense chase could be seen unfolding in the stands, with the sound of warning shots, believed to have come from the Senegalese police, echoing in the background.
The violence was compounded by a series of chaotic scenes that added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the match.
The confrontation did not end with the final whistle, as tensions continued during the post-match press conference.
A controversial moment occurred when a CAF official prevented an Arabic-speaking journalist from asking questions in Arabic.
This provoked a response from USM Alger’s coach, Nabil Maâloul, who expressed his discontent, stating, “I respected you, I answered in French.
I could have told you that I don’t speak French and I would have spoken in Arabic.
Énorme cafouillage en conférence de presse post-match Jaraaf & USMA, le représentant de la CAF refuse aux journalistes Algériens de poser leurs questions en langue arabe, L’entraîneur tunisien Nabil Maaloul s’y insurge ! L’Afrique restera une colonie française ! 🤢 pic.twitter.com/myxMiMU3XP
— FARID BOUSSALEM (@faridmca1921) December 8, 2024
What’s the problem if I answer (in Arabic)? Like yesterday I can answer, there is no problem.”
Maâloul’s defiant remarks led to his microphone being cut off, as captured in an online video.
This was followed by a brief confrontation between the coach and a Senegalese individual present at the press conference.
The incident left many questioning the handling of the situation, and it remains to be seen what actions will be taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in response to the ongoing developments.
At the time of writing, there have been no official statements from CAF regarding potential sanctions or further investigations into the altercations that marred what was otherwise a competitive match between the two sides.
The unsettling events in Dakar have raised concerns over safety and conduct at African football matches, and further clarity on the matter is eagerly awaited.
