Fans of Union de Khenchela football club expressed their frustration with the team's poor performance by surrounding coach Mohamed Jebaili and president Walid Boukrouma on November 8. The team's 1-1 draw against Shabab Ain Temouchent in the ninth round of the Algerian Professional League sparked the outburst. The fans, who were limited in number, waited for the final whistle to vent their anger on the coach and president.
The fans accused coach Jebaili of being technically and tactically limited and failing to utilize players effectively. They also criticized his substitutions and changes during the game. In response, Jebaili allegedly threw water bottles at the fans. The fans also targeted president Boukrouma, blaming him for recruiting players who were not up to the competition and failing to appoint a new coach to turn the team's fortunes around.
President Boukrouma, who was in the stands due to a three-month suspension, addressed the fans and acknowledged that he could no longer make a positive impact. He stated that the funds provided by Algerian telecommunications company, which sponsors the team, were used to recruit the current players. Boukrouma claimed that if more money were available, better players would have been signed.
Boukrouma announced his resignation as president of the club and urged the board of directors to appoint a new president. He also appealed to the fans to rally around the team and work together to save it. The president expressed frustration with the team's sponsors, who he claimed had abandoned the team without explanation.
The fans had requested that the players appear before them, but security personnel intervened to prevent the situation from escalating. The fans were eventually removed from the stadium. Boukrouma also expressed concern for the players, who he said were going through a psychological crisis due to the team's poor results and were being verbally abused by the fans.
The president revealed that an attempt to establish a supporters' committee had been disrupted by violence, with some fans brandishing knives. He urged the fans to support the players, who were struggling with the team's poor performance. Boukrouma emphasized that the team's fate was in the hands of the fans and the board of directors.
The incident highlights the growing frustration among fans of Algerian football clubs due to poor team performances. The fans' anger and helplessness were palpable as they surrounded the coach and president, demanding change and accountability. The situation may have serious implications for the team's future, with the president's resignation and the fans' calls for improved performance.
Key points
- The fans' outburst was sparked by the team's 1-1 draw against Shabab Ain Temouchent in the ninth round of the Algerian Professional League.
- President Boukrouma announced his resignation and urged the board of directors to appoint a new president to lead the team.
- The incident highlights the growing frustration among fans of Algerian football clubs due to poor team performances.
Reporting sources
- الجماهير تحاصر مدرب ورئيس إتحاد خنشلة · El Khabar
