In a shocking turn of events, tragedy struck during the first leg of the second preliminary round of the African Champions League match between Moroccan club FAR (Forces Armées Royales) and Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel on Friday.
A dedicated FAR fan, identified as Imad, lost his life due to internal bleeding following what has been described as a “barbaric” attack by Tunisian security forces in the city of Sousse.
Imad, a passionate supporter of FAR, had made the arduous journey to Tunisia to cheer on his beloved club during their encounter with Etoile du Sahel. Unfortunately, the match ended in a 1-0 defeat for FAR, but the real tragedy unfolded after the final whistle when Imad was brutally attacked, leading to his untimely death.
News of Imad’s demise has sent shockwaves through the ranks of FAR fans and other Moroccans, sparking outrage and calls for immediate action from authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The “Military Ultras,” a faction of ardent supporters of the football club affiliated with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces’, vehemently condemned the treatment they received at the hands of Tunisian authorities during their stay in Sousse while backing their team. They denounced the “degenerate” actions of the Tunisian security forces and demanded justice for Imad.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of visiting fans during international football matches. Football has long been a means of bringing people together, transcending borders, and fostering camaraderie among supporters of different clubs and nations. Tragic incidents like this one remind us of the importance of maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all fans, regardless of their affiliations.
FAR supporters, both in Tunisia and back in Morocco, have called for a thorough investigation into Imad’s death, hoping to shed light on the circumstances leading to the attack and to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated in the future.
