Senegalese sports minister among injured in Africa Cup of Nations riot

[Drogba]

Senegalese sports minister among injured in Africa Cup of Nations riot

The crucial match was abandoned late in the second half, with the government official among those who were caught up by the unrest in the stands

Oct 14, 2012 8:45:00 AM

By Mohammed Ali

Up to 30 people, including Senegalese Sports Minister El Hadji Malick Gakou, were injured after riots broke out during a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Dakar.

The second leg of the tie between Senegal and Ivory Coast had to be abandoned minutes from the end after crowd trouble erupted, which saw missiles thrown on the pitch and small fires started in the stands at Stade Leopold Senghor.

The Elephants were ahead 2-0 on the night, thanks to Didier Drogba's double, with the Teranga Lions trailing 6-2 on aggregate, before the match was called to a premature halt.

"He [Gakou] has been hurt by a stone and was evacuated," a doctor was quoted as saying byAFP.

"We had three cases of wounds that required stitches, and four or five cases of discomfort or pain. But there were no serious injuries, people were not trampled."

Senegal's official news agency APS later remarked: "The match was halted and the Lions of Senegal will not qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations."

No comment has been made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), though the result is expected to stand, with Ivory Coast, runners up in 2012, likely to be named in the main draw that will be held later this month.

 

[Drogba]

Senegal-Ivory Coast Afcon qualifying game abandoned after crowd trouble

The crucial 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier between the two sides ended abruptly in the second half after missile launching fans caused the game to be stopped

Oct 13, 2012 8:50:00 PM

By Kent Mensah

The crucial 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier between Senegal and Ivory Coast has been abandoned after crowd trouble brought the game to a premature halt.

Violent scenes occurred after Didier Drogba scored two goals to dash the hopes of the Teranga Lions, who now needed five goals to find their way to South Africa 2013.

The match officials including the referees were driven off the pitch as security officials tried to protect Ivory Coast supporters - who came under severe attack in the stadium.

The stands became empty after police fired teargas to disperse the unruly fans, who hurled plastic bottles onto the pitch while also burning flags and newspapers that turned the entire atmosphere at the Sedar Senghor Stadium hostile.

For close to 25 minutes, the players and security were left speechless on the pitch unsure of the fate of the game as hundreds of other Ivory Coast supporters, who were fleeing from danger, joined them in the inner perimeter for safety.

The match had entered into the 76th minute and Ivory Coast were leading by two goals (6-2 on agg). Early on, a fan had made an incursion onto the pitch which was the catalyst for ugly scenes to break out which marred the qualifier.

 

[Drogba]

Cisse, Ba and Toure brothers escape from danger as Senegal fans riot in stands

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 22:40 GMT, 13 October 2012 | UPDATED: 21:09 GMT, 14 October 2012

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Senegal are likely to be thrown out of the African Cup of Nations after a qualifier against the Ivory Coast in Dakar was abandoned following crowd trouble. Ivory Coast were leading 2-0 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate - a result which seems likely to stand, sending Senegal out - when the match was stopped in the 72nd minute at the Stade Leopold Senghor.The incident was confirmed on the official website of the Senegalese Football Federation, www.senegalfoot.sn: 'Unfortunately the match ended in very sombre circumstances.

Unrest: Didier Drogba is shielded by a policeman as trouble rages in the stands

Heading for shelter: Manchester City star Yaya Toure is guided off the pitch in Dakar

'The referee was forced to stop in the match in the 72nd minute with the score at 2-0 because of serious outbreaks in the stands by very unhappy Senegalese supporters.'The police took the public out after many confrontations.'Play had been temporarily halted in the 65th minute when a person ran on to the pitch and almost reached Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba before being wrestled to the ground and escorted off the field.Drogba had given his side the lead in the 51st minute with a free-kick and the former Chelsea man then made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.

Take cover: Kolo Toure is covered by riot policemen's shields

Following that second goal there were disturbances in the stands, with small fires being set alight and objects thrown as players and staff from both teams grouped together in the centre circle.A host of Barclays Premier League-based players were involved in the match, including Newcastle pair Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse lining up for Senegal, along with West Ham's Mohamed Diame.In Ivory Coast's starting line-up were Arsenal striker Gervinho, Manchester City brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure, and Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote. City said on their official website: 'City's Yaya and Kolo Toure are both safe after crowd trouble halted play as Senegal hosted the Ivory Coast in Dakar.

Stick and stones: Fans threw anything they could lay their hands on onto the pitch

'Disturbances broke out as Didier Drogba put the Elephants 2-0 up, after what was deemed a controversial penalty decision in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.'Fires were started in the stands at Stade Leopold Senghor and missiles were launched on to the pitch before the players were escorted to safety.'Yaya and Kolo were both involved in the second leg clash and early reports suggest the brothers are unharmed.'

Turning nasty: Senegal fans throw rocks and set fires in the stands at Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium

Watching on: Riot police watch from the field as Senegal fans throw rocks and set fires in the stands
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