Tripoli Derby Chaos: Al-Ittihad vs. Al-Ahly Match Halted as Fans Invade the Field in Pandemonium.
  • 651 views
  • 2 min read

A highly anticipated Tripoli derby between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahly Tripoli in the Libyan Premier League descended into chaos on Wednesday, leading to the match's abandonment in the 39th minute. The trigger for the pandemonium was a goal scored by Al-Ittihad's Moroccan midfielder, Noufel Zerhouni, whose celebration in front of Al-Ahly fans ignited tensions, resulting in a violent pitch invasion by Al-Ahly supporters and substitutes.

Reports indicate that the Portuguese referee, Fábio José Costa, and some fans sustained injuries during the melee. The referee and his crew promptly left the pitch for their safety, and the match was never restarted. Online footage reveals clashes between fans and security forces both inside and outside the stadium, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Adding to the turmoil, Al-Ittihad's team bus was reportedly set on fire, although it was unoccupied at the time, preventing any injuries. Al-Ahly has since released a statement blaming what they describe as a "provocative act" by an Al-Ittihad player for instigating the disturbance. They also allege that security forces used "excessive force and live fire" against fans near the club's headquarters.

The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has yet to release an official statement regarding the match's outcome or any potential disciplinary measures. The incident occurred despite the LFF's decision to hold the match behind closed doors, suggesting a breach of security protocols. Groups of supporters managed to gain entry to the stadium, further contributing to the volatile atmosphere.

This isn't the first instance of football hooliganism causing disruption in Libyan football. In December 1996, eight fans died and 39 were injured during a match between Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad when troops opened fire to quell pro- and anti-Muammar al-Gaddafi sentiments.

The recent events in Tripoli highlight the persistent challenges of managing fan behavior and ensuring safety at football matches, even when played behind closed doors. The LFF's investigation and subsequent actions will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future and maintaining the integrity of the Libyan Premier League. This includes addressing security vulnerabilities, reviewing player conduct guidelines, and engaging with fan groups to promote responsible behavior. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for passionate rivalries to escalate into violence and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard players, officials, and fans.


Writer - Kavya Iyer
With an enthusiastic and observant eye, Kavya is passionate about the intersection of arts, culture, social trends, and sports. She's keen on exploring her city's evolving cultural landscape, covering local artistic expressions, music scenes, and community events, while also following the latest in the sports world. Kavya is developing her writing style to capture the vibrancy and nuances of the cultural sphere, aiming to connect artists with a wider audience and analyze the societal reflections within their work.
Advertisement

Latest Post


The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for their 25th season in the NHL, and recent news and rumors are swirling around the team. Here's a breakdown of the latest: **Yegor Chinakhov's Trade Request** Yegor Chinakhov, a 24-year-old Russian right w...
  • 245 views
  • 2 min

U. S. Men's National Team (USMNT) must achieve success to cultivate a strong home crowd advantage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, says American soccer legend Clint Dempsey. After observing the recent 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, where the USMNT played befo...
  • 247 views
  • 2 min

As England embarks on their Women's Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, they face the significant challenge of defending their title amidst a landscape of change and uncertainty. While the Lionesses undoubtedly possess the talent and experience to go ...
  • 120 views
  • 2 min

Yegor Chinakhov's agent publicly announced that the Columbus Blue Jackets forward has requested a trade, and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has confirmed that trade discussions are underway. Chinakhov cited "misunderstandings with the coach" as the reas...
  • 331 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement
The demanding world of professional tennis, with its relentless competition and constant pressure, is taking a toll on players, leading many to experience a significant loss of joy in the sport. Several prominent tennis stars have recently voiced the...
  • 210 views
  • 2 min

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) T20 Season 2 has commenced with a thrilling encounter between England Champions and Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The match, held on July 18, 2025, saw Pakistan Champions finish their innings a...
  • 320 views
  • 2 min

Don Awrey, a name synonymous with grit and Stanley Cup glory in Boston Bruins history, recently shared reflections on his remarkable NHL career. From overcoming a potentially career-ending back injury to becoming a cornerstone defenseman for the Brui...
  • 409 views
  • 2 min

On November 12, 2011, a seemingly ordinary game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins took a turn that would forever alter the course of the Sabres franchise. Milan Lucic, then a forward for the Bruins, delivered a forceful hit on Sabres' ...
  • 270 views
  • 2 min

Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 SportsBuzz360