CAF to rule on African Champions League violence

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will rule next week on violent incidents in the African Champions League final, the CAF announced in Cairo on Saturday.

Tunisian club Esperance, who were beaten 3-1 by Ghana's Hearts of Oak in the second leg in Accra on December 17 and lost the title 5-2 on aggregate, protested against the result after a crowd riot and the firing of teargas by police led to a lengthy stoppage in the second half. Veteran Tunisian goalkeeper Chokri El Ouaer faces the possibility of a lengthy ban if he is found to have faked a serious injury in order to get the final abandoned. Esperance team mate Reinaldo Aleluia was reported for two alleged attacks on South African referee Robin Williams who had to be rescued by police at the end of the game. CAF said reports on the incidents had been sent for decision to all the members of its club competitions committee. The responses were due back in Cairo by January 3, CAF added.

El Ouaer, the Esperance captain and one of the most successful players in African club competition history, sustained a cut on the head during the 18-minute stoppage. He then ran from his goal area to the halfway line with blood streaming from his face before collapsing on the pitch.

Referee Williams and linesman Achmat Sallie alleged they had seen the player inflict the cut on himself. Esperance said El Ouaer had been hit by an object thrown from the crowd.

Police had fired teargas to disperse Hearts of Oak fans who had been throwing objects at Sallie. Esperance were leading 1-0 at the time of the incident and were dominating the match. A second goal would have given them the title on aggregate. But they had to play with 10 men for the last 10 minutes and put midfielder Hassen Gabsi in goal to replace El Ouaer who was taken to hospital for treatment.

Hearts scored three goals in a dramatic final seven minutes to win the African crown for the first time and qualify for next year's World Club Championship in Spain. Brazilian-born striker Reinaldo stormed at referee Williams after team mate Walid Azaiez was sent off in the final five minutes.

Reinaldo again attempted to grab the referee at the final whistle but Williams was rescued by police. Earlier this month CAF banned four players from all continental club competition for one year for similar actions against match officials.