MC Alger Fans Allegedly Vandalise Stadium, Attack Officials After Defeat to Rangers
Supporters of Algerian club MC Alger have allegedly vandalised stadium facilities and attacked a member of the club’s technical crew following their team’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round qualifying tie.
The incident reportedly happened on Sunday at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State, after more than 400 supporters expressed anger over their team’s defeat.
According to reports, some supporters damaged seats in the covered stands after the final whistle.
The situation reportedly worsened when some fans followed members of the MC Alger delegation towards the players’ tunnel, where an assistant coach was allegedly attacked.
Nigerian police officers assigned to the visiting team reportedly intervened and rescued the assistant coach from further attacks.
Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba was also allegedly attacked by members of the Algerian delegation in the VVIP section as he attempted to exchange pleasantries after the match.
Security operatives later restricted movement in parts of the stadium to control the situation and prevent further violence.
The reported incidents overshadowed Rangers’ important victory, which gave the Nigerian champions a two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in Algeria.
On the pitch, Rangers broke the deadlock in the 81st minute when Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty. James Emo then scored three minutes later to seal the 2-0 win.
The match also saw players from both teams receive red cards, while an MC Alger official was reportedly sent off.
Despite their advantage, Rangers will need to remain focused when they travel to Algiers for the return leg on October 23.
The Nigerian club has a painful memory of facing MC Alger in the 1976 African Cup of Champions Clubs, the competition now known as the CAF Champions League.
Rangers won the first leg 2-0 on that occasion but lost the return match 3-0, crashing out 3-2 on aggregate.
MC Alger went on to win the continental title that year after defeating Guinea’s Hafia FC in the final.
That history serves as a warning to Rangers that their current advantage does not guarantee qualification.
The Enugu-based side will now aim to protect their lead in Algeria and secure a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
