What should have been a night of football celebration turned into chaos as Esperance fans clashed with Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, and attacked innocent street vendors outside Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory in their CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg, thanks to a goal from Peter Shalulile. However, the match was marred by violent scenes both inside and outside the stadium.
Fans clash in the stands
Following the final whistle, tensions flared between rival supporters. Videos circulating online show Esperance fans throwing objects and rushing toward Sundowns supporters. Some were seen falling over rows of empty seats in the commotion.
One particularly distressing picture captured a Sundowns fan rescuing Esperance supporter who was dangling from a railing, preventing what could have been a life-threatening fall.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Vendors targeted
The violence did not end in the stands. Outside the stadium, street vendors—who rely on matchdays for their livelihoods became victims of the mayhem. Esperance fans vandalised stalls and physically attacked vendors.
This is not how a sporting event should end , no matter the result, I’m very disappointed in taraji fans. Imagine vendors being attacked??💔 pic.twitter.com/mzanhZJULN
— therealfunkyb_ (@therealfunkyb) April 1, 2025
IOL