What the Algerian gendarmes did to the supporters of Mouloudia Algiers was not even done by Israeli soldiers to the Palestinians
In the return match of the preliminary rounds of the African Champions League, between the reigning Algerian champion, Mouloudia Algiers, and the Tunisian club Union Sportive de Monastir, the oldest Algerian club was set to inaugurate its new stadium in the Douera municipality, named after one of the symbols of the Battle of Algiers, Ali Ammar, also known as Ali La Pointe.
It was a big celebration for the millions of Mouloudia Algiers fans. With this new acquisition, which adds to the ultra-modern training center in Zéralda, the old Algiers club now has infrastructure worthy of its status. On social media, the dean’s supporters constantly urged everyone to preserve their new temple by avoiding throwing flares and keeping the place clean. “This is our home, we the Mouloudians,” posted one member of a Facebook group of loyal fans.
Everything was well-prepared on the supporters’ side, who showed a civic-mindedness reflecting the true image of Mouloudia. Special tifos were prepared, along with slogans and war cries whose rehearsals were meant to shake the stands of the new stadium.
However, this festive atmosphere quickly turned into a nightmare. It was soon disrupted by organizers who, to say the least, were incompetent and incapable of rising to the level of such a major event.
It started with ticket sales. In the digital age of online sales, Mouloudia supporters were asked to purchase their tickets at the stadium counters of the July 5 Stadium the day before the match. There were scuffles and long lines at the few sales counters. Many supporters spent the night outdoors in front of the counters. It was a true punishment for these thousands of young fans, passionate about beautiful football, who wanted to play their full role as the “12th man” in helping their team triumph.
These scuffles were just the prelude to what awaited the faithful fans, who often come with young children to pass down the saying: “Love for Mouloudia is passed from father to son (and daughter).” For Mouloudia, it’s a family affair.
When they arrived at the stadium, five hours before kickoff, the first groups of supporters noticed that only three entrance gates were open. They were let in one by one after a thorough search that took several minutes for each entry. As hours passed, tempers flared, and everyone ran out of patience. Protest shouts rose, and the gendarmes, heavily present, wasted no time in beating anyone who moved. Incredible images were shared on social media. The gendarmes unleashed all their hatred on young fans who had come to celebrate and enjoy the moment. For many of them, the celebration turned into a tragedy. Seriously injured fans were evacuated to Douera Hospital, while others miraculously escaped death (see video 1). Nightmarish scenes gave the impression you were in the occupied Palestinian territories. What we see in these images hasn’t even been seen in Gaza or other occupied territories. Israeli soldiers are incapable of doing what the Algerian gendarmes did to the Mouloudia supporters. One wonders why there is so much hatred against simple citizens who came to celebrate their club’s qualification.
Hundreds of images are available on social media. The culprits are easily identifiable. If public authorities do not condone these assaults on Mouloudia Algiers supporters, an investigation must be opened, and those responsible for the violence must be held accountable.
