Algerian football was rocked by an appalling act of violence on Thursday when USM El Harrach (USMH) manager Mustapha Maza was injured in an acid attack during a match in Rouissat.
What should have been a competitive football encounter spiraled into a disturbing scene, raising serious concerns over safety in the sport.
A sporting event turns into a nightmare
Maza suffered eye injuries after being targeted with a corrosive substance, reportedly acid, in an incident that has left the Algerian football community in shock.
The attack occurred during a scheduled match, completely overshadowing the game and casting a dark cloud over the sport.
The motivations behind the attack remain unclear, but its severity has prompted widespread condemnation.
Acid attacks are rare in football and represent an extreme escalation of violence in a sport meant to unify communities rather than divide them.
The use of such a dangerous substance suggests premeditation, making this not just a case of fan unrest but a criminal act with potentially lifelong consequences.
Football under threat from violence
This horrifying event raises serious questions about security measures in Algerian football.
Football violence, while not new, has reached an alarming level with incidents escalating beyond traditional clashes between rival supporters.
The use of a weapon as dangerous as acid signifies a level of hostility that goes far beyond the acceptable limits of football rivalry.
The attack on Maza is not just an assault on an individual, but an attack on the integrity of the sport.
If figures within the game—players, coaches, and officials—can no longer participate without fearing for their safety, football itself is at risk.
Calls for a full investigation
Authorities must now act swiftly. An immediate and thorough investigation is essential to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and local security officials must ensure that severe sanctions are imposed to send a clear message that violence of this nature will not be tolerated.
Moreover, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for all football stakeholders in Algeria.
Increased security measures, stricter stadium controls, and harsher penalties for violent behavior must be implemented to prevent further tragedies.
Beyond football: A matter of public safety
This attack is not just about football—it is about public safety and the responsibility of authorities to protect citizens.
If such violence is allowed to continue unchecked, stadiums will no longer be places of joy, passion, and competition, but arenas of fear and conflict.
For Mustapha Maza, the road to recovery—both physically and mentally—will not be easy.
But one thing is clear: this cannot be allowed to happen again.
