By David Gold
December 13 – Following the pitch invasion that marred the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal between Tunisian outfit Esperance and Al Sadd of Qatar in Toyota earlier this week, there will now be an increase in security at the event.
After the game, which the Qatari side won 2-1, several supporters of the African champions attempted to get on to the pitch, forcing police to wrestle them to the ground.
The Esperance support was already angered by what they perceived to be a number of controversial decisions going against them, and the disorder forced FIFA to make a statement.
“Following disturbances at the conclusion of yesterday’s match between Al Sadd and Esperance, the security forces inside the stadium acted as quickly as possible to restore order,” world football’s governing body said.
FIFA went on to announce increased security would be present for the fifth place play-off between Esperance and Mexican side Monterrey tomorrow.
The Tunisian side cold also face further censure from FIFA for the behaviour of their fans, and the club’s coach Nabil Maaloul apologised, saying: “I’m really sorry, sometimes that happens…Tunisia and Al Sadd are sisters, but of course this should not happen.”
Al Sadd will face favourites and European champions Barcelona in the semi-finals after their win, for the right to face either Santos or Kashiwa Reysol in the final.
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