CAF crackdown after difficulty in African club matches

An Esperance supporter clings to a railing at a Pretoria stadium during crowd violence after a CAF Champions League match against Mamelodi Sundowns on April 1.(PHILL MAGAKOE)Esperance of Tunisia, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Mouloudia Alger of Algeria were the clubs hardest struck financially on Thursday after a crackdown by the CAF disciplinary board.Esperance were fined$150,000 (EUR132,000), Mouloudia 140,000 and Sundowns 100,000 following occurrences during and after CAF club competitions quarter-finals in April.Advertisement Inadequate

security, improper supporter behaviour, breaches of security and safety regulations and the throwing of smoke bombs and things were amongst concerns leading to fines.A CAF statement consisted of the use of laser tips and pyrotechnics and an absence of ticket and crowd control as other causes.Orlando Pirates of South Africa($ 70,000 ), CS Constantine and USM Alger of Algeria(25,000 each), FAR Rabat of Morocco (20,000)and Pyramids of Egypt(15,000 )were likewise punished.Most events occurred in the Champions League. The events involving Constantine and USM were in the second-tier Confederation Cup, the African equivalent of the Europa League.Advertisement Mouloudia assistant coach Mohamed Khazrouni was prohibited for four CAF matches and fined $15,000 after occurrences following their match versus Pirates in Soweto.Algerian protector Abdelkader Menezla

was struck with a two-match restriction, among which was suspended for one year.Mouloudia, who lost 1-0 on aggregate to Pirates, should also play their next two CAF home matches behind closed doors.Sundowns, Pirates and Pyramids will be involved in Champions League semi-finals in South Africa on Saturday and Constantine in a Confederation Cup semi-final in Morocco on Sunday.dl/ dmc