Mouloudia Algiers condemn refereeing and harassment in Nigeria after Enugu Rangers match

Mouloudia Club d'Alger has expressed its strong dissatisfaction with the events that occurred during the match against Enugu Rangers from Nigeria, in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, criticizing the refereeing decisions witnessed during the match, as well as what it described as the harassment faced by its delegation in Nigeria.

The club stated in an official statement that the penalty awarded to the Nigerian team raised many questions, considering it was not a result of a foul that warranted its awarding. They also objected to the sending off of Osama Ben Hawa after receiving a second yellow card, asserting that the foul that led to the card was committed by Ayoub Ghazala, not Ben Hawa, who already had a prior warning.

The management of Al-Mouloudia reported that the team's delegation faced harassment in the VIP area of the Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, noting that the club's photographer also encountered difficulties during the live broadcast on the team's official YouTube channel, as he was forced to change the shooting angle multiple times.

In a related context, the club has rejected what it described as attempts to tarnish its image and that of its supporters, asserting it has evidence regarding the destruction of some seats before the match. It also pointed to the difficulties its supporters faced in obtaining tickets, due to prices rising to $20, which it considered unprecedented in their travels for CAF Champions League matches.

The management of CR Belouizdad has confirmed its intention to take necessary measures to defend the rights of the team and its fans, in light of the events that accompanied the match. They urged their supporters to continue displaying sportsmanship during the return leg, scheduled to take place at the Stade du 5 Juillet, and to present a positive image in the stands while supporting the team in its quest to qualify for the group stage.