In an incident that certainly caught the attention of football fans on Tuesday, fans of Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance de Tunis clashed in the stands at the end of the CAF Champions League quarter-final game at Loftus.
During the turmoil of this heated clash – which began after the final whistle blew – there was a shocking moment as an Esperance fan found himself precariously trying to escape from the stands, but found himself hanging on for dear life on one of the upper tiers.
Facing a potentially life-threatening fall, the fan was saved by a Sundowns supporter who ran to his aid, grabbing him by the arms and backpack until he was able to scramble back to safety.
Despite the horrible scenes of the fans clashing, this incredible moment of humanity earned widespread praise on social media, with the Sundowns supporter hailed as a ‘hero’ and ‘life-saver’.
You can see a variety of footage of the frightening incident here and here or here.
Meanwhile, according to The Sowetan, police and security intervened after the altercations broke out, while a medical crew reportedly treated injured fans.
SUNDOWNS AND ESPERANCE WILL GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AGAIN FOR THE SECOND LEG
In terms of the on-field action, Sundowns ultimately came away with an important first-leg victory, but will have to make that advantage count when they meet again in the second leg in Tunisia.
“The Tunisian Sports Al-Taraji assures all the Al-Tarji fans, especially the families of loved ones who have migrated to South Africa, that all our supporters are fine and have returned to Johannesburg safe and sound,” said Esperance in a statement.
“The club’s management has ensured to secure and provide the necessary transport to leave the stadium and take them to the train station. The Tunisian sportsman Al-Taraji informs all their fans that the three loved ones who were taken to the hospital are in stable condition and are in the process of receiving treatment.
“We, as Tunisian sportsmen, Al-Taraji, confirm that we are preparing a complete file containing all the documents (on the incident)… The Tunisian Sports Al-Taraji has great confidence in their fans, who will be present in large numbers in the return match to support the players and help them achieve the result that ensures us to qualify for the semis of this competition [Champions League].
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