Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin Republic national team, reported that players and officials were assaulted by both fans and police following a recent match against Libya in Tripoli. The incident was sparked by a 0-0 draw that secured Benin’s spot in the 2025 AFCON, leading to violent confrontations by Libyan fans. This troubling event is part of a broader pattern of mistreatment of visiting teams in Libya.
Gernot Rohr, the head coach of the Benin Republic national football team, recently reported an alarming incident involving the assault of his players and staff by fans and police during a match against Libya. This occurred during the final match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification in Tripoli, where following a 0-0 draw, the performance of the Benin team incited outrage among Libyan supporters. The hostile environment escalated as the fans hurled stones and bottles at the Benin players, causing injuries and prompting an aggressive response from Libyan police, who entered the team’s bus and assaulted individuals inside. This unfortunate incident exemplifies ongoing concerns over the treatment of visiting teams in Libya, which has a history of such violent occurrences during football matches.
The recent assault incident during the 2025 AFCON qualifying match between the Benin Republic and Libya underscores a long-standing problem in Libyan football. Despite Libya’s rich footballing history, visiting teams often report experiences of hostility and mistreatment. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has previously sanctioned Libya for their behavior towards international teams, highlighting a systemic issue that affects the integrity of the sport in the region.
In summary, the Benin Republic national team’s experience in Libya signifies a troubling trend where fan violence and police misconduct jeopardize the safety of players and officials. This incident not only raises serious concerns for player welfare but also impacts Libya’s reputation in international football. It is imperative that governing bodies take appropriate measures to ensure such behavior is curtailed to foster a safer environment for all involved in the sport.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
