sportskeeda
Orlando Pirates’ head coach Jose Riveiro voiced his concerns regarding the post-match skirmish at Orlando Stadium that followed their CAF Champions League quarter-final victory against MC Alger on Wednesday, deeming it “unacceptable.”
A disorderly clash erupted after the Pirates secured their semi-final position with a 1-0 aggregate win. Fights broke out, with reports indicating that a Pirates staff member was struck in the face before police intervened.
The disturbance spilled into the tunnel, prompting worries about potential repercussions from CAF due to the “barbaric behavior” displayed in Soweto.
While we may look into who sparked the altercation, I believe that aspect is insignificant. As I’ve previously stated, for myself, for us, and for my squad, football is a sacred endeavor and must remain untainted.
“Such behaviors are entirely unacceptable. Regardless of the situation, it’s likely that errors were made on all sides, but these actions should be kept as far removed from the game as possible.”
“There were tackles that clearly surpassed the spirit of the sport, which we do not need. We must learn how to win and how to lose, accepting the results, whatever they may be. I cannot detail the specifics since I was sitting on the bench when it all happened.
“I was attempting to comprehend the significance of what we had achieved just moments before when suddenly chaos erupted in front of my eyes.
“However, we will likely review some footage, and I hope that those featured in those moments feel enough shame to ensure such incidents don’t happen again, allowing us to enjoy a regular football match whenever we come to the stadium.
“As I’ve previously mentioned, our fans exemplify worldwide what it means to attend a football match—coming to the stadium with joy and goodwill, that’s what it’s all about.
“I prefer not to say too much at this moment as I do not have all the details. I truly hope this will be the last time we witness such events in Orlando.”
The Pirates are now set to challenge Pyramids in the semi-finals, with the first leg occurring on April 18 at Orlando Stadium and the second leg on April 25.
This marks a historic moment, as it is the first instance where two South African teams, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, have reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals in the same year, following Sundowns’ victory over ES Esperance on Tuesday.
