Rivero condemns violence after Orlando Pirates game

The Soccer City Stadium in Soweto witnessed unfortunate scenes after the end of the match between Orlando Pirates and MC Alger in the first leg of the African Champions League quarterfinals, where celebrations turned into violent clashes between players.

Tensions escalated immediately after the final whistle blew to announce a 0-0 draw, meaning the Algerian side were eliminated after losing the first leg 1-0. The stadium turned into a battleground as players exchanged blows and kicks, while others preferred to stay away from the violence. Spanish coach José Rivero tried to intervene to calm his players down, but the situation had spiralled out of control.

Rivero: ‘Football doesn't need this behaviour’

The Spanish coach expressed his shock at the events, saying: "I don't really know what happened, maybe we'll need some time to find out who started the fight. But it doesn't concern me or my team, football is something special and should not be desecrated by this unacceptable behaviour". He added: “We must learn to win and lose with respect and accept the results no matter what. This kind of behaviour should stay away from the world of sport, we don't need it.”

Rivero emphasised that he was sitting on the bench when the clashes began, saying that he was trying to absorb the magnitude of his team's achievement before things turned into chaos in front of his eyes. The Spanish coach's comments emphasised the need to preserve sporting values and respect the spirit of fair play.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.