In a different context, tensions overshadowed the Libyan football scene following the match between Al-Ittihad and their traditional rivals Al-Ahly Libya on Wednesday evening—a match in which Kahraba participated as part of Al-Ittihad’s lineup. The club issued an official statement expressing its deep condemnation and rejection of what it described as the unfortunate and unsportsmanlike incidents that occurred during and after the match, stressing that what happened bears no relation to the principles of fair competition that should prevail on the field.
The statement explained that the team’s delegation was subjected to what it described as serious assaults, including attacks on several members of the coaching staff and players, as well as the deliberate burning of the club’s bus—an incident strongly condemned by the club, which considered it a blatant violation of all sporting values and traditions, and a distortion of the image of Libyan sport both at home and abroad. The club affirmed that such actions will only strengthen its determination to uphold the principles of sportsmanship and to work toward holding those responsible accountable, in cooperation with the relevant official authorities.
At the end of its statement, the board of Al-Ittihad Club called on its large fan base to exercise wisdom, self-restraint, and not be drawn into attempts by some to incite sedition or spark chaos, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity, respecting opponents, and not responding to provocations with actions that could harm the club and its history. The club indicated that it is in the process of taking all legal measures to safeguard its rights and protect the safety of its members and property, urging the concerned authorities to open an urgent investigation to uncover the circumstances of what happened and hold those responsible accountable, to ensure that such regrettable scenes are not repeated.
This escalation comes at a time when Libyan sports circles are striving to ease tensions and refocus attention on competition within the pitch, away from any practices that fall outside the spirit of sportsmanship.
