Al-Zawraa management condemns Al-Shorta fans vandalising Al-Zawraa stadium

Al-Zawraa SC's administrative body has issued a strongly worded official statement condemning what it described as "violations and acts of vandalism" that affected the facilities and installations of Al-Zawraa Stadium during the match between Al-Shorta and Oman's Al-Sib, which took place yesterday evening, Wednesday, as part of the first round of the AFC Champions League 2, and ended with Al-Shorta winning by a single goal.

Al-Zawraa stated in a statement:

- We are astonished by the actions of some fans of Al-Shorta, which included violations and acts of vandalism targeting the facilities and installations of Al-Zawraa Stadium during the match against Al-Seeb.

What happened is unacceptable behavior that does not align with the sporting values and the relationship between Al-Zawraa and Al-Shorta.

- We demand that the police administration take responsibility and implement strict measures against those responsible, as well as cover all damages and costs resulting from the vandalism.

Addressing what happened should not be limited to condemnation or justification; it requires holding those responsible accountable and preventing the recurrence of such actions in the future.

If necessary measures are not taken, we may have to refuse to host Al-Shorta matches in the future at Al-Zawraa Stadium.

- We are keen to maintain brotherly and sporting relations between Iraqi clubs, ensuring that they are met with mutual respect and that each party bears its responsibilities.

The statement confirmed that what happened involved the breaking of several seats in the stadium and vandalism of its facilities, which was documented by the stadium management after the end of the match, as some individuals from the police fans broke the seats and caused damage in the stands.

The most alarming point in Al-Zawraa's statement was the hint at not hosting Al-Shorta matches in the future at Al-Zawraa Stadium, should necessary measures not be taken.

Al-Zawraa Stadium is the approved venue for Al-Shorta in the Asian competition, as Al-Shorta's stadium is not ready to host continental matches. Therefore, carrying out this threat will put Al-Shorta in a very difficult position and force them to look for an alternative stadium outside Baghdad.

Al-Zawraa's management has confirmed that its stance comes from its responsibility to protect the club's facilities and ensure the safety of its fans and staff.