ES Sahel v Espérance, “a pitiful spectacle”
Etoile supporters invade the Stade de Sousse
The first interruptions were projectiles thrown onto the pitch when Espérance’s Karim Aouadhi opened the score in the 41st minute, and then a group of Etoile du Sahel supporters invaded the pitch twenty minutes before the end of regulation time when Yannick Ndjeng doubled the score for the Blood and Gold.
The match was then stopped and awarded to Espérance 2-0, who thereby qualify for the semi-finals of the supreme continental competition, as of the fourth week of the group phase.
“Espérance accomplished their mission in Sousse with their fourth consecutive victory. We dominated for the most part of the game, and created numerous goal opportunities, while at the same time blocking the efforts of Etoile,” explained the satisfied coach of the Blood and Gold, who also deplored the incidents that took place during the derby.
“What we saw was a pitiful spectacle over both halves of the game and on the supporters’ bench, incidents that have absolutely no relation to football,” stated Nabil Maâloul at the end of the clash.
This sentiment was shared by the president of Etoile du Sahel, who was incensed by the behaviour of certain supporters.
“I am very sorry about the incidents that tainted this match. Things went way beyond a simple football match,” apologised Ridha Charfeddine.
The Tunisian Minister of Youth and Sport, Tarek
Dhiab, ordered the remaining six rounds of the national league to be played behind
closed doors.
{message}