Fans of Morocco's Wydad Casablanca light flares as they watch their team's African Champions League final soccer match against Tunisia's Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Photo: Reuters)
Morocco authorities condemn the Tunisian Esperance attack against Wydad Casablanca fans suffered in Tunisia Saturday.
Moroccan media has focused on the attack on their crowds during the African final, which Tunisia won 1-0, descibing it as 'brutality' and blaming the Tunisian authorities for not being able to defend Wydad’s supporters.
“I cannot understand why, during a moment of jubilation for the Tunisian brothers who celebrated their victory, Moroccan spectators were attacked by some members of Tunisian police, using tear gas,” Youth and Sports Minister Moncef Belkhayat, who attended the game, told MAP news agency.
“This is far from the spirit that should prevail in a football match,” he added.
On the other hand, Belkhayat’s Tunisian counterpart, Slim Chaker, insisted that he will investigate what happened in coordination with the interior ministry focusing on the bonds between the two Arab countries.
“It’s normal to see some ugly scenes after football matches,” Shaker said.
“The main thing is to show restraint, as Morocco-Tunisia relations are above all other considerations,” he added.
Under the helm of Nabil Maaloul, Esperance have claimed their first continental league title since 1994.
The two North African teams drew the first leg 0-0 in Casablanca last week.
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