Benin Team Faces Assault from Fans and Police in Libya During AFCON Qualifier
Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin national team, reported that players and officials were assaulted by fans and police in Libya during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Following a 0-0 draw that secured their qualification for the tournament, Libyan fans reacted violently, throwing stones and bottles. Police allegedly entered the team’s bus and assaulted members, forcing them to seek safety at the airport. This incident highlights ongoing issues with fan conduct and safety in Libyan sports.
In a distressing revelation, Gernot Rohr, the head coach of the Benin national football team, reported that members of his team were assaulted by both fans and police during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya. This incident occurred in Tripoli and has drawn attention to the unsportsmanlike conduct often exhibited by Libyan supporters. Following a tense 0-0 draw that secured Benin’s passage to the tournament, Libyan fans reacted violently, throwing stones and bottles at the Benin delegation. Rohr lamented the aggression they faced, stating, “We have never seen this kind of thing in football. Libya is not playing fair.” The situation escalated when police intervened but allegedly assaulted players inside their bus, forcing the team to seek refuge at the airport to board a flight arranged by the Benin embassy. This troubling episode is part of a pattern of mistreatment faced by visiting teams in Libya, as evidenced by a recent incident in which the Libyan team was fined by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for holding the Nigerian team hostage at an airport the previous month. This recurring pattern signals a need for stricter controls to ensure the safety and fairness of international sporting events.
The incident involving the Benin national team sheds light on broader issues regarding safety and fairness in international sports, particularly in regions where fan behavior can become hostile. Recent years have seen escalating concerns about player safety in Libya, far beyond the current incident. The pattern of aggression extends not only to national teams but also to club competitions, prompting oversight bodies like the Confederation of African Football to intervene. These incidents underscore the critical need for accountability and protective measures in sports environments, particularly in volatile regions.
The assault on the Benin national team highlights serious challenges regarding fan behavior and police conduct in Libya, raising questions about the safety of visiting sports teams. The situation demands immediate attention from international football governing bodies to enforce measures that protect player safety and ensure fair play. Without such interventions, incidents of violence and intimidation may continue to tarnish the spirit of competitive sports in the region.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
