Benin national team players and officials faced violent assaults from fans and police during their recent match against Libya. Coach Gernot Rohr reported that, following a 0-0 draw that secured Benin’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, local fans reacted violently, resulting in injuries and an unsafe retreat to the airport. This incident reflects broader concerns regarding the treatment of visiting teams in Libya.
Gernot Rohr, the head coach of the Benin national football team, reported that players and officials from his team experienced violent assaults from both fans and police following their recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Libya in Tripoli. He expressed disbelief at the hostility encountered, where fans hurled stones at the players’ area post-match. The encounter was marked by a 0-0 draw that ultimately allowed Benin to qualify for the African tournament, inciting anger among local fans.
During the turmoil, members of the Benin team were subjected to violence by police officers who reportedly entered the team’s bus and attacked them with batons, leading to injuries among the delegation. The situation necessitated a hasty retreat to the airport, where a chartered flight awaited to repatriate them safely. This incident is not isolated as Libya has previously been criticized for its treatment of visiting football teams, with historical accounts of rough treatment recorded during international fixtures.
Earlier in the month, the Confederation of African Football penalized Libya for mishandling another team’s arrival, adding to concerns over the conduct of football authorities in the region. Such repeated incidents raise serious questions regarding the sportsmanship and security measures in place during international matches in Libya. In light of these occurrences, further discourse and scrutiny are warranted to ensure the safety and fair treatment of all teams participating in matches abroad.
The ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of visiting football teams in Libya have persisted over the years. Numerous accounts highlight aggressive behavior from local fans towards opposing teams, leading to incidents that compromise player safety. Such actions not only tarnish the image of Libyan football but also diminish the spirit of fair play that governs the sport. This particular incident involving the Benin team adds to a troubling narrative, drawing attentions to the urgent need for intervention from football governing bodies.
The assault on the Benin Republic football team during their match in Libya underscores ongoing safety concerns in the region. With Gernot Rohr’s statement reflecting the distressing circumstances his team faced, it is evident that there are deeper systemic issues regarding the treatment of visiting teams that need to be addressed. As sports authorities and governing bodies investigate these matters, the hope remains that measures will be taken to ensure that future international matches are conducted in a safe and respectful manner.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
