Sudanese riot policemen control soccer fans during a match between Sudanese team Al Hilal against Egypts Al Ahly in Group C at the African Champions League at the Al-Jawhara Stadium in Khartoum, Sudan February 1, 2020. REUTERS
CAF's disciplinary committee imposed heavy sanctions on Sudanese side Al-Hilal over riots that occurred during an African Champions League game against Egypt's Ahly in the final day of the group stage on Saturday.
Al-Hilal were held to a 1-1 draw by Ahly, who advanced to the Champions league quarters as runners-up of their group with11 points. The hosts were eliminated after finishing third on 10 points.
Tensions boiled over with 15 minutes remaining as Al-Hilal players harangued the referee more than once.
Two fans invaded the pitch and a barrage of projectiles were thrown onto the field, forcing a seven-minute stoppage as security forces formed a cordon around officials and both teams.
Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz had asked the CAF to re-consider the final result, beliving that Ahly should be declared winners.
However, CAF ratified the result and hit Al-Hilal with a four-match stadium ban.
"The referee’s report stated that match ended 1-1, therefore the result of the match is maintained and confirmed," read a statement on the CAF official website on Tuesday.
”Al Hilal ordered to play four (4) CAF Interclub matches behind closed doors
"Fine of 100,000 USD imposed on Al Hilal; of which 50,000 USD is suspended on condition that they are not found guilty of a similar offence within one year
"Five match CAF Interclubs ban and a fine of 10,000 USD imposed on Al Hilal official Hassan Mohamed," the statement concluded.
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