Ultras Askari Escalates Anger After AS FAR Defeat: "This is the Last Warning... What's Happening is Deliberate Negligence"

The "Ultras Askari Rabat" faction, supporters of AS FAR (Royal Army Club), issued a strongly worded statement following the team's defeat in the opening match of the CAF Champions League group stage against Tanzania's Young Africans (1-0).

The statement was "fiery," holding the players and the technical staff, led by coach Alexandre Santos, responsible for what it described as "deliberate negligence" and "unacceptable complacency." The group asserted that this behavior has characterized the team's recent performance, considering it to have crossed the line from mere shortcomings to an insult to the club's emblem and history.

The statement began with a harsh address directed at the players, with the group writing: "Perhaps today we have reached a stage where we forgo the courtesy of wisdom in delivering messages, due to complacency that has crossed all boundaries, and actions that are no longer mere shortcomings, but have become deliberate and systematic negligence. The performance has become closer to an absurd spectacle lacking the simplest elements of seriousness, as if the players are performing a job without weight in the scales of responsibility, and with no place in the norms of discipline that built this club's glory. What transpired in the locker room in 'Zanzibar' we consider an insult first to the club, and to its loyal fans whose presence remains steadfast despite all obstacles and distances. If the repercussions of these actions affect the team's trajectory this season, we will be forced to arrange penalties."

The criticism then turned directly to coach Santos and President Aboubaker El Ayoubi, with the faction stating: "The coach was given every opportunity to work in a calm environment, but he has shown his limitations and weaknesses, and his insistence on incomprehensible choices in crucial matches threatens the fate of an entire season, worsening the situation. Furthermore, 'El Ayoubi' is not fulfilling his actual role, as he has begun to follow the team on trips that resemble tourism, contenting himself with delivering empty and useless words, far from any real organization or oversight. He also bears the greatest responsibility due to his selection of coaches with demands he favors and weak names that offer no value, and if the coach is given one last chance, which is the upcoming match, it is a direct response to betting on it."

"Ultras Askari" added: "We emphasize that no one has immunity, and no one has the right to imagine their ability to act superior within AS FAR. What we avoided for years in order to create a positive atmosphere, we will find ourselves forced to act in other ways today, as long as respect is no longer reciprocated."

In conclusion, the group's message was clear: nothing less than a victory would be acceptable in the upcoming match against Al Ahly. "As for Friday's match, nothing is acceptable but victory, and rectifying the slide before it's too late. What is written above is merely a final warning, and we will not accept being toyed with or having our emotions manipulated. As for us, we will flock to the stands of Moulay Hassan to play our part, which knows no recklessness or indiscipline, and we will stand behind the team with all firmness and determination."

It is worth noting that AS FAR will host Al Ahly on Friday, November 28, kicking off at 8:00 PM (GMT+1). The match will be held at Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.