Violent incidents involving supporters of Algeria’s USM Alger (USMA) severely disrupted the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final return leg against Morocco’s Olympique de Safi on April 19, forcing a lengthy delay to kick-off and raising serious security concerns.
A Moroccan sports photographer was evacuated from Al Massira Stadium on a stretcher after being struck on the head by projectiles thrown from the stands by Algerian fans.
Witnesses and security sources said the photographer had been targeted amid unrest caused by visiting supporters, in what officials described as acts of hooliganism of unacceptable violence.
Tensions escalated minutes before the scheduled start of the match when groups of USMA supporters breached security cordons and spilled onto the pitch, throwing objects and engaging in repeated provocations. The referee was forced to suspend pre-match proceedings as stewards and security forces intervened to regain control of the stadium.
The incidents prompted immediate intervention by police units, who sought to prevent a wider breakdown of order as flares, missiles and insults were reported in the stands.
Several supporters attempted to approach the playing area, heightening fears for player and official safety.
Although conditions around the pitch were eventually stabilized, the match did not resume as expected. USM Alger players were slow to return to the field despite repeated requests from representatives of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Olympique de Safi players continued their warm-up while uncertainty persisted over whether the fixture would go ahead.
Kick-off, initially scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time, was ultimately delayed by 80 minutes. The Mauritanian referee finally started the match at 9:20 p.m. the game ended by a 1-1 draw.
Further controversy arose over the visible presence of the Algerian consul general in Morocco on the pitch during the stoppage. Video footage circulating on social media showed the diplomat in conversation with a CAF official while the situation remained chaotic, prompting questions in local media about the appropriateness of political involvement amid a sporting security incident.
The sequence of events contributed to an atmosphere of extreme tension that went beyond a spontaneous outburst.
CAF had not issued an immediate statement on possible disciplinary measures. The governing body is expected to review referee reports, security assessments and video evidence before deciding on potential sanctions related to supporter misconduct and match disruption.