An African Champions League clash descended into chaos during unsavoury full-time scenes in South Africa.
The incident occurred following the final whistle between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance de Tunis.
AFPEsperance fans were involved in clashes with rival fans after facing Mamelodi Sundowns[/caption]
AFPThe Tunisian club’s supporters ignored pleas to stop fighting in the stands[/caption]
Sundowns claimed a 1-0 home victory in the quarter-final first leg in Pretoria, South Africa.
However, their win was overshadowed by fan clashes in the stands at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Footage from the stadium show Esperance supporters fighting with home fans in the upper tier of the stands.
The chaotic scenes showed a large section of home supporters watching on from the lower tier.
Meanwhile, the stadium announcer pleaded for calm from the travelling Esperance fanbase over the tannoy.
An announcement stated: “Ladies and gentlemen please calm down. Esperance, please behave.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have yet to comment on the incident.
Esperance are set to host Sundowns for the second leg in Tunisia on April 8.
Both clubs will also appear at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup.
The USA is scheduled to host the first 32-team edition of the tournament between June 14 and July 13.
AFPClashes marred the first leg of their African Champions League quarter-final[/caption]
AFPSupporters of both clubs were involved in violent scenes at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium[/caption]
Esperance have been drawn alongside Chelsea in group D, with the sides meeting on June 24 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
The match will not only be the two clubs’ first meeting, but also the first time Esperance have faced English opposition.
As well as winning the African Champions League four times, they are also reigning Tunisian champions.
Last season’s title extended the club’s record tally of 33 during their 106-year history.
Brazilian giants Flamengo are also in group D, whilst the fourth team have not yet been confirmed.
Club Leon of Mexico were placed into the pool before being removed from the tournament for breaching FIFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
AFPEsperance are set to face Chelsea at this summer’s Club World Cup[/caption]
It will be Esperance’s fourth appearance at the tournament having most recently finished fifth in 2019.
Meanwhile, Sundowns will take on Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund and Ulsan HD in group F.
