Mamelodi Sundowns have released a statement on the fan clashes that happened between their own faithful and Esperance Sportive de Tunis supporters after the full-time whistle at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Masandawana’s 1-0 win over the Tunisian giants was overshadowed by chaos that broke out in the stands after the final whistle, with both sets of fans seen fighting each other, with water bottles, flares, parts of seats and security gates being thrown at each other.
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The ugly scenes ended with Esperance’s supporters being escorted to the field for safety reasons, before they were escorted out of the stadium via busses.
ES Tunis had already released an official statement saying they will lodge a complaint with CAF and that three of their supporters needed to be hospitalised. Masandawana have now released their own statement, stating the will cooperate with CAF in the investigation and apologised, “despite the videos and facts indicating that the Sundowns supporters did not initiate the unruly behaviour”.
Sundowns statement in full:
“Mamelodi Sundowns is deeply saddened by the unruly behaviour that was displayed yesterday (01 April) at its CAF Champions League quarterfinal match against Espérance de Tunis at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
“Videos circulating on social media depict malicious damage to the stadium and the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters retreating from violent conduct that was initiated against them, including flares and pepper spray when the incident started.
“Sundowns awaits a full report from the Match Commissioner and is committed to cooperating with CAF to finalize its investigation ahead of the return leg.
“Espérance de Tunis is a respected sports institution in Africa and we trust that once all the evidence is reviewed, our brothers and sisters at Espérance will also denounce this behaviour and take the necessary steps to ensure that the next encounter is one where all supporters feel safe and welcome.
“We are confident that the investigation will identify the circumstances that gave rise to the unruly behaviour.
“However, in accordance with our African culture of compassion and empathy (our African culture of Ubuntu) we are required to apologize to Espérance de Tunis and its supporters as the unruly behaviour took place at our home stadium, despite the videos and facts indicating that the Sundowns supporters did not initiate the unruly behaviour.
