Soccer Fans Storm Field in Libya, Portuguese Referee Injured during Suspended Match
The match Wednesday between Al-Ahly Tripoli and Al-Ittihad was suspended in the 39th minute when Al-Ahli substitutes and fans stormed the pitch in protest of Al-Ittihad players' celebration of their opening goal. Al-Ittihad's bus was set on fire, the club said in a statement.
Players and soccer officials fled the stadium amid a fan disturbance outside the facility. Footage circuited online showed clashes between fans and security forces in and around the stadium.
Al-Ahly blamed what it called a 'provocative act' by one of Al-Ittihad players for the disturbance.
According to The Associated Press, it said in a statement that security forces used 'excessive force and live fire' against fans at the club's headquarters.
Local media reported that Portuguese referee Fábio José Costa was injured.
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