Jaraaf v USM Alger: how a CAF Confederation Cup match descended into chaos

Unsurprisingly, images and videos quickly flooded social media, with accusations flying from both sides. On the pitch, Jaraaf and USM Alger parted with a goalless draw at the Stade Abdoulaye Wade, but the aftermath quickly degenerated into a running battle involving supporters from both camps, USM players and Senegalese security forces. It was the result of an atmosphere that grew more heated as the minutes went by.

Flares at the root of the trouble

According to information from Sport News Africa, which spoke to several witnesses and journalists present at the stadium, the scuffles originated with flares lit by USMA supporters. Positioned behind a goal in the section reserved for them, the group's "leaders" were ordered by police and stewards around them to put out the flares, as the use of pyrotechnic devices is banned and punishable by fines from the Confederation of African Football.

That was the start of a first heated exchange, but matters initially calmed down. Not for long, unfortunately, as another round of flares forced the security forces to go back to the supporters and the tone then sharpened. Before that, a supporter who tried to climb over a plexiglass screen to reach another area had added to the tension. Insults followed and, late in the match, the beginnings of a brawl between the security forces and USM Alger supporters, who charged at the police, who then hit back.

At least 15 injured on the USMA side

Seeing this, the Jaraaf supporters in turn broke through the security cordon that had initially separated them from the USMA fans, looking for a fight. Far more numerous, they forced the USMA supporters to retreat, while some players from the Algiers side also left the pitch to help their beleaguered fans. Fighting then broke out in the stands, involving everyone, before the USMA players, staff and some supporters eventually found refuge on the pitch and in the tunnel leading to it.

Although there was material damage, including many seats ripped out and used as projectiles, the main concern is that no fewer than 15 people were injured on the Algerian side, including players. That completely pushed the football into the background. It now remains to establish where responsibility lies, with the different sides blaming each other. That task will fall in particular to the match commissioners who, according to our information, noted in their report the use of pyrotechnic devices and the throwing of projectiles at the security forces on the USMA side, but also the breaching of the security cordon by Jaraaf supporters. It remains to be seen what sanctions the CAF disciplinary board will impose.

🇸🇳🇩🇿A brawl broke out between ASC Jaraaf supporters, security forces and USM Alger fans

🟢 Jaraaf hosted USM Alger in the Confederation Cup #sna #jaraaf #usmalger pic.twitter.com/k5BtEkxfJ2

— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) December 8, 2024

Malick BAMBA