Espérance Sportive de Tunis have confirmed that they will file a formal complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against Mamelodi Sundowns fans after their loss in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals at the Loftus Stadium.
Masandawana defeated the Tunisian giants with a 1-0 scoreline in Tshwane, however, a confrontation and violent incident erupted at the stadium following the match where supporters from both sides clashed.
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Hours after the altercation, Esperance alleged that their fans were assaulted by Sundowns supporters, stating they possess all the evidence needed to back their claim as they have confirmed that they will submit reports to CAF regarding the treatment of their fans in South Africa.
"The Tunisian Sports Al-Taraji assures all the Al-Tarji fans, especially the families of loved ones who have migrated to South Africa, that all our supporters are fine and have returned to Johannesburg safe and sound. The club's management has ensured to secure and provide the necessary transport to leave the stadium and take them to the train station," the club stated after the match.
"The Tunisian sportsman Al-Taraji informs all his fans that the three loved ones who were taken to the hospital are in stable condition and are in the process of receiving treatment. This and the Tunisian sportsman Al-Taraji confirms that he is preparing a complete file containing all the documents and supports that benefit our fans being exposed to violence in Pretoria Stadium and will send it to the Confederation of African Football.
"The Tunisian sportsman Al-Taraji ensures to take all the necessary measures to defend the rights of our supporters with all the documents that confirm the organizational breaches that took place throughout the match stadium which violate what was agreed upon during the previous technical meeting where during the second half the isolated stadium was opened The fans of the Tunisian sports club separate the fans of the Sundowns team and we have all the supporters that document and confirm this and will be sent in the file that we prepared regarding all that happened in this match," Esperance explained.
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"The Tunisian Sports Al-Taraji has great confidence in its fans, who will be present in large numbers in the return match to support the players and help them achieve the result that ensures us to qualify for the golden square of this competition, and we also have great confidence in the team to turn the data into the second match and win the ticket to the semi-finals. All thanks again to our dear loved ones who were present today at Pretoria Stadium and we thank God for everyone's safety and no serious injuries in our boys' rows."
The two teams are set to meet in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarterfinals at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi Stadium next week on Tuesday.