Esperance File CAF Complaint Against Sundowns After Violent Acts At The Stadium

Tunisian football giants Esperance de Tunis have officially filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against Mamelodi Sundowns following a series of violent incidents that reportedly occurred during their recent CAF Champions League clash in South Africa.

The heated semifinal first-leg encounter, held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, was marred by tension both on and off the pitch — and now, allegations of misconduct by Sundowns fans and stadium security have brought the match under intense scrutiny.

According to reports from Tunisian media outlets and statements released by Esperance officials, the visiting team was allegedly subjected to hostile treatment before, during, and after the match.

Esperance claim that their players were verbally abused, their technical team harassed, and fans physically attacked by local supporters in what the club has described as an “unsafe and unwelcoming environment.”

In a formal letter submitted to CAF’s Disciplinary Committee, Esperance demanded that the African football governing body launch an immediate investigation into the alleged incidents.

The complaint reportedly includes video footage and eyewitness accounts to support their claims, with Esperance insisting that the acts committed were not only unsportsmanlike but also a violation of CAF’s safety and security regulations.

One of the most concerning aspects of the complaint involves accusations that members of Esperance’s delegation were pelted with objects while trying to enter and exit the stadium.

Eyewitnesses say the crowd became aggressive after the match ended in a tense draw, with flares lit and bottles thrown in the direction of the visitors’ bench.

Security personnel allegedly struggled to control the situation, allowing fans to get dangerously close to the players as they left the field.

Esperance officials have also raised concerns about the treatment of their supporters in the stands.

Several Tunisian fans who traveled to South Africa for the match claim they were intimidated and, in some cases, assaulted by home supporters.

There are also reports that Esperance fans were restricted in their movement inside the stadium and denied access to basic amenities, such as restrooms and water.

In their statement, Esperance emphasized that they are not questioning the result of the game, but rather highlighting the importance of player and fan safety.

“This is not about the score,” one club spokesperson said.

“This is about respect, dignity, and the responsibility of hosting clubs to ensure a safe environment for all participants.

What happened in Pretoria cannot be ignored.”

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns have not yet issued an official response to the allegations, but insiders at the club have expressed surprise at the accusations, claiming that the match was conducted under normal CAF procedures and that security measures were in place throughout.

They maintain that the club followed all hosting protocols as outlined by CAF and believe the claims are exaggerated.

CAF, on its part, has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and stated that the matter is currently under review.

A disciplinary hearing could follow if the evidence provided by Esperance is found to warrant further action.

Depending on the findings, Sundowns could face fines, stadium bans, or other penalties — though CAF is known for taking time before issuing final verdicts in such high-profile cases.

The incident has sparked a wave of reaction on social media, with football fans across the continent taking sides.

Some believe Esperance are trying to shift focus away from their on-field struggles, while others argue that any allegation of violence at a CAF-sanctioned match must be taken seriously, regardless of the club involved.

This isn’t the first time Sundowns have faced scrutiny over crowd behavior.

In past seasons, there have been isolated incidents involving unruly fans, though nothing of this scale has been officially recorded.

The club has worked hard to maintain a professional image both on and off the field, and this latest complaint could put that reputation to the test.

For Esperance, the stakes are even higher.

The Tunisian club has long been vocal about issues of fairness and equality in African competitions.

In recent years, they have filed multiple complaints with CAF over officiating and logistics, though few have led to disciplinary action.

Still, the club insists that this time is different, and they are prepared to pursue the matter all the way to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.

The CAF Champions League is known for its passion, intensity, and fierce rivalries — but it also carries the responsibility of upholding the values of sportsmanship and safety.

With thousands of fans in attendance and millions watching from home, ensuring the security of players and supporters is not just a guideline, but a requirement.

As the return leg in Tunisia approaches, tensions are expected to run even higher.

Esperance fans will no doubt pack the Stade Hammadi Agrebi in hopes of pushing their team to the final, and CAF will be under pressure to ensure that the second leg is played under strict supervision.

Additional security measures and neutral observers may be introduced to prevent any retaliatory incidents.

This situation continues to unfold, and all eyes are now on CAF’s disciplinary committee.

Their response — or lack thereof — could set a precedent for how future complaints of this nature are handled in African club competitions.

For now, both clubs await the next steps, as the battle moves from the pitch to the administrative offices.

But the message from Esperance is clear: football must be competitive, but never at the expense of safety and human dignity.