After Cairo Stadium Incidents: Will Al Ahly Fans Face Reciprocal Suspension Following AS FAR Precedent?

All eyes are now on the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Disciplinary Committee, awaiting its decision regarding the incidents that marred the CAF Champions League group stage match between Egypt's Al Ahly and Morocco's AS FAR. The game, part of the final round, was held at Cairo International Stadium.

The match saw repeated assaults on AS FAR players, who were targeted with bottles and various projectiles by some sections of the crowd. These incidents occurred both during play and after the first half, as players headed to the changing rooms. Television footage captured the gravity of the situation, prompting security personnel to intervene and ensure player safety.

These incidents recall previous sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Committee on AS FAR, whose fans were suspended and the team compelled to play two matches behind closed doors following disturbances during the first leg between the two clubs. This raises questions about the potential application of the principle of reciprocity in the current situation.

The Disciplinary Committee is expected to announce its decision in the coming days. There is widespread anticipation to see whether similar measures will be taken against the Egyptian club, especially given that CAF regulations mandate player protection and safety within stadiums to uphold fair play and respect for the rules governing continental competitions.