Mamelodi Sundowns have finally spoken out following their supporters’ disgusting behaviour before their CAF Champions League match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
Sundowns supporters stopped a bus carrying Al Ahly players and swore at the club’s coach Pitso Mosimane and his mother. That was before the bus entered the stadium.
The match ended 1-1 with Al Ahly advancing to the semi-finals on a 3-1 aggregate.
A statement released by Sundowns said that the club had observed the thuggish behaviour and improper conduct by their supporters.
“We received complaints by supporters of improper conduct and insults but Mamelodi Sundowns supporters should under no circumstances, disrespect, insult or behave in the manner they did and must at all times stay true to our values and principles,” the Sundowns statement read.
“We therefore want to apologise to Al Ahly and those associated with the club. Mamelodi Sundowns will institute an investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those supporters whose conduct was improper and contrary to the values and principles that we adhere to. We remain dedicated to maintaining the good relations, mutual respect and mutual commitment that exists between leaders of our two clubs and all our stakeholders.”
Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has condemned the abuse directed at Mosimane.
SAFA chief executive officer Tebogo Motlanthe has promised to get to the bottom of the matter.
“These individuals have not only humiliated coach Pitso Mosimane, they have brought the name of the country into disrepute and as SAFA we will leave no stone unturned in identifying these individuals,” Motlanthe said.
“We have requested for an urgent report from the security and police at the stadium and we will await report from the club. We are treating this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. We cannot tolerate this, Mosimane is our proud ambassador and what these people did needs to be condemned by all civilised society.”
