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.
