Mamelodi Sundowns’ Caf Champions League rivals Setif have been thrown out of the competition following crowd trouble.
The unruly scenes occurred during the visit of Sundowns to the Algerian side’s home turf back on June 18.
A statement released by Caf read the following: ‘Following the regrettable incidents that took place during match no.98 of the 2016 edition of Caf Champions League between ES Setif (Algeria) vs Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), whereby the referee was obliged to abandon the said match before its end.
‘Match officials noted especially the pitch invasion as well as numerous throws of missiles, stones, bottles, and firecrackers, provoking a certain number of injured spectators and members of the security forces.
‘The CAF Organizing Committee for the Inter-Clubs Competitions decided to apply the provisions of Chapter XII para 3 and considered ES Sétif loser and eliminated from the competition without prejudice to any other sanctions that may be imposed by CAF Disciplinary Board.’
As a result of the decision, Sundowns will be stripped of their three points for winning the [incomplete] game at Setif, as in accordance with Caf’s rules.
The statement continues: ‘Concerning the result of the said match, it is hence cancelled in conformity with the spirit of article XI.13 of the regulations stipulating: “If a team withdraws after the start of the group matches without having played half of the group matches, the overall results of the matches in which this team participated is cancelled.”’
Sundowns will look to restart their campaign when they welcome Enyimba to the Lucas Moripe Stadium next week. Enyimba began their Group B campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to Egyptian outfit Zamalek.
