MC Alger has confirmed that supporters will be allowed into the stadium for Friday’s CAF Champions League return-leg encounter against Nigeria’s Enugu Rangers, while warning fans against actions that could attract severe disciplinary sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Algerian club made the announcement in an official statement ahead of the second-leg preliminary-round fixture, scheduled to take place at the Shaheed Ali Amar Stadium, popularly known as Ali La Pointe Stadium, in Douera.
The confirmation is expected to boost the home side’s preparations as it seeks to secure qualification for the group stage of Africa’s premier club football competition.
However, MC Alger’s management has urged supporters to maintain discipline throughout the encounter, warning that throwing objects onto the pitch or using laser beams could expose the club to serious punishment.
The club specifically appealed to fans to refrain from throwing fireworks, plastic bottles and other projectiles onto the playing surface, as well as directing laser beams at players, particularly members of the opposing team.
According to the management, such misconduct could attract severe penalties, including the possibility of playing future continental fixtures behind closed doors.
The club stressed that the potential consequences of these actions could hurt both the team and its supporters at a crucial stage of the continental campaign.
MC Alger, popularly known as the Dean because of its status as one of Algeria’s oldest football clubs, expressed confidence that its supporters would demonstrate the discipline and sportsmanship expected of the club’s followers.
The management also called on fans to uphold the reputation of the green-and-red outfit and the Algerian national flag by creating a positive atmosphere inside the stadium.
It expressed confidence that the home crowd would provide strong backing for the players as they pursue qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.
The club further encouraged supporters to fill the stands with colour and enthusiasm while ensuring that their conduct does not undermine the team’s ambitions.
Friday’s encounter against Enugu Rangers comes amid heightened attention following incidents during the first leg in Nigeria, which have drawn the attention of CAF’s disciplinary authorities.
The continental governing body has received video footage of the incidents and is expected to review them through its disciplinary process, with both clubs given the opportunity to respond to questions.
The outcome of that review could have implications for the clubs, depending on the findings and any sanctions imposed.
Against this backdrop, MC Alger’s appeal for responsible conduct highlights the importance of crowd behaviour in ensuring that the return leg proceeds without further controversy.
For Rangers, the challenge will be to negotiate a potentially intimidating atmosphere away from home and deliver a performance capable of securing their progression in the competition.
For MC Alger, the backing of its supporters could prove important as the Algerian side looks to capitalise on home advantage.
With a place in the group stage at stake, the encounter is expected to attract significant attention from supporters of both clubs.
MC Alger’s message is clear: the team needs the energy and passion of its fans, but that support must remain within the boundaries of sporting conduct to avoid sanctions that could affect the club’s future participation in African competitions.
