Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou (Photo: Reuters)
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou said he is determined to eradicate violence from African football, insisting that the popular sport should retain its values.
Fredric Kibasa Maliba stadium in the DR Congo witnessed the death of three supporters after a League game between FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo and SM Sanga Balende on Sunday.
Supporters stormed the pitch after the referee turned down a late equaliser for Lupopo, prompting the intervention of local security.
Medical sources quoted by AFP said three supporters were killed during the clashes.
"Football must remain a moment of good association, fellowship, sharing, celebration and joy; values that are legendary with the African people's culture of hospitality and solidarity," Hayatou told the CAF official website on Tuesday.
"So it is always saddening and with dismay that we have to vehemently disapprove of such events."
Hayatou also offered his condolences to the families of the deceased, confirming that the African governing body will impose severe sanctions on the culprits.
"African football cannot be the breeding ground for some phenomenon of hooliganism whatsoever.
"We expect exemplary sanctions to be taken, because violence has no place in African football in particular and sport in general.
"We remain steadfast and state in the strongest terms our commitment to eradicate all forms of violence or unsporting behaviour from the continent."
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