Algerian football found itself once again under intense scrutiny after a CAF Confederation Cup match between RS Berkane and USM Alger descended into chaos, with violence erupting in the stands and the kickoff delayed by over an hour. The incident, which occurred on May 12, 2024, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane in Morocco, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about security protocols in African club competitions.
The match, part of the quarterfinals second leg, was scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. Local time (7:00 p.m. UTC). However, tensions flared well before kickoff as USM Alger supporters, who had traveled to Morocco for the away leg, clashed with local police and stadium officials near the venue. Video footage circulating on social media showed fans throwing objects, attempting to breach security barriers, and engaging in physical confrontations with authorities. According to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), the disturbances began approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled start time and escalated despite repeated appeals for calm.
Match officials, in consultation with CAF security delegates and local authorities, ultimately decided to delay the start of the game in hopes of restoring order. After more than 60 minutes of standoff, during which riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds outside the stadium, the match finally got underway at 9:15 p.m. Local time (8:15 p.m. UTC). The delay disrupted broadcast schedules and left players from both teams waiting in the tunnels under uncertain conditions.
RS Berkane, the Moroccan hosts, went on to win the match 2-1, advancing 3-2 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Algiers. Goals from Mouhcine Iajour (34′) and Dayron Moreno (78′) secured the victory for the home side, while USM Alger’s only goal came from Ismail Belkacemi in the 52nd minute. Despite the late goal, the visitors could not overcome the deficit, ending their continental campaign.
In the aftermath, USM Alger released a strongly worded statement accusing RS Berkane and local Moroccan authorities of orchestrating the incidents to disadvantage the Algerian side. “Tout était planifié,” the club claimed in a French-language communiqué, alleging that the violence and delays were premeditated to disrupt their preparation and provoke a reaction. The statement further accused CAF of failing to ensure adequate safety measures and called for an immediate investigation into the events.
RS Berkane swiftly denied the allegations, with club president Abdelhak Benchikha calling the claims “baseless and damaging to Moroccan football’s reputation.” In a press conference following the match, Benchikha emphasized that the club had cooperated fully with security forces and praised local authorities for their efforts to restore order. “We are victims of circumstances beyond our control,” he said. “To suggest we planned this is not only false but insulting to the fans who came to support their team in peace.”
CAF confirmed it had launched an immediate inquiry into the incident, citing Article 83 of its Disciplinary Code, which governs misconduct, security failures, and spectator violence. A spokesperson told Archysport that match delegates had submitted initial reports and that further evidence, including stadium CCTV footage and witness testimonies, would be reviewed. “The safety of players, officials, and fans is paramount,” the spokesperson said. “We will not tolerate any behavior that endangers the integrity of our competitions.”
The incident adds to a growing list of security concerns in African club football. Over the past 18 months, several CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup matches have been marred by crowd trouble, pitch invasions, and delayed starts. Notable examples include the 2023 CAF Champions League final second leg between Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca, which was abandoned after fans stormed the pitch, and a 2022 Confederation Cup qualifier between AS FAR and JS Kabylie that was halted due to projectile-throwing.
For USM Alger, the elimination comes at a demanding time. The club, which won the CAF Confederation Cup in 2023 under coach Abdelhak Benchikha (no relation to the RS Berkane president), had been aiming to defend its title. The loss means they will not qualify for next season’s CAF Champions League through the continental route, though they remain in contention for a CAF Confederation Cup spot via their league position. As of May 15, USM Alger sits third in the Algerian Ligue 1 standings with 48 points from 28 matches, five points behind leaders CR Belouizdad.
RS Berkane, meanwhile, advances to the semifinals where they will face either Young Africans of Tanzania or Stade d’Abidjan of Ivory Coast, depending on the outcome of the other quarterfinal tie. The Moroccan side has been one of the most consistent performers in recent CAF competitions, reaching the semifinals or better in each of the last three seasons.
Players from both teams expressed frustration over the circumstances. USM Alger goalkeeper Abdelkader Salhi told reporters after the match that the delay affected the team’s focus. “We warmed up twice, waited in the tunnel, then had to start cold,” he said. “It’s not an excuse, but it’s not normal either.” RS Berkane midfielder Mohamed Aziz praised his team’s resilience. “We knew it would be tough,” he said. “The atmosphere was hostile, but we stayed professional and did what we needed to do.”
Looking ahead, CAF is expected to announce disciplinary sanctions in the coming weeks. Potential penalties could include fines, stadium bans, or even forfeiture of the match if evidence supports claims of institutional misconduct by either club or host authorities. The governing body has also signaled a review of security protocols for high-risk matches, particularly those involving North African clubs where historical tensions occasionally spill over into violence.
For fans and observers, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing African football as it strives to grow its global profile. While the talent on display continues to impress, recurring off-field issues threaten to undermine progress and deter investment. As one Algerian supporter put it outside the stadium: “We come to celebrate our teams. We don’t come to fight. This isn’t football.”
The next checkpoint for both clubs is domestic league action. USM Alger will host MC Oran on May 18, while RS Berkane prepares for a Botola Pro fixture against Fath Union Sport on May 19. CAF has not yet released updated sanction timelines, but confirmation of any disciplinary decisions is expected by early June.
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