Rulani's Al-Ittihad Match Halted, Military 'Fire Live Ammunition'

Rulani Mokwena witnessed military intervention and reported live ammunition during his Al-Ittihad side's Libyan Premier League title playoff fixture against Al-Swehly SC, leading to the match being halted.

It is understood that Al-Swehly were leading the game 1-0 when Mokwena's side appealed for a penalty for an alleged handball. The referee, however, did not point to the penalty spot.

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According to the Libyan Express, the situation then escalated when fans ran onto the field, forcing players and staff to try and get out of harm's way and flee to safety. Reports further suggested that match officials were assaulted.

It has also been claimed that the Libyan military targeted supporters with live ammunition, leaving several people injured.

Both clubs released statements responding to the matter, with Al-Swehly saying in an official club statement that they "express their deep condemnation and total rejection of the tragic and dangerous events that took place."

The club also claimed that some of their players and staff members were assaulted.

"What followed, including the invasion of the pitch by fans despite the match being held without spectators, and the assault on the refereeing crew, our players, and security personnel, is considered dangerous and completely condemnable behaviour."

The statement continued: "We, the fans of Al-Suwaihli, adhered to the rules and regulations and respected the decisions of the Libyan Football Federation. We did not mobilise supporters towards the city of Tarhuna in order to avoid unrest, despite everyone knowing what it means for Al-Suwaihli fans to travel from Misrata to outside the city."

In an official statement from Al-Ittihad, the club took aim at the refereeing decisions throughout the game and demanded that an investigation be opened.

"Al-Ittihad Club demands a comprehensive review of all refereeing cases witnessed in the match, and the opening of an investigation regarding the decisions that directly affected its outcome," the statement read.

The statement added: "During the match proceedings, the match referee overlooked awarding two clear penalties in favour of Al-Ittihad Club, despite the clarity of both situations and what they warranted in terms of correct decisions according to the laws of the game.

"Despite this, the referee reversed course during the second half to award a penalty in favour of Al-Swehly Club, which in turn raised many questions and controversy regarding its validity.

"Nevertheless, Al-Ittihad Club dealt with those decisions with high sportsmanship and complete respect for the refereeing crew.

"No objection was issued by the club, as the penalty kick was executed normally, and the team resumed the match in a normal manner, continuing legitimate competition in search of an equaliser.

"In the 87th minute of the match, Al-Ittihad Club faced another clear refereeing situation.

"This consisted of an opposing team player touching the ball with his hand inside the penalty area in a direct and clear manner, a situation that warranted awarding a penalty kick in favour of Al-Ittihad Club according to the laws of the game.

"Despite the clarity of the situation through television replays, the referee's decision regarding it was not decisive or clear. This raised many question marks regarding how the situation was handled and the subsequent effects it had on the course of the match."

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