UAE authorities ordered arrest over rare riots. (file photo)
A football game in the United Arab Emirates turned into a violent scuffle between angry fans of opposing teams, a rare scene of chaos that has led authorities to call for the arrest of “all rioters”.
Public prosecutors in the Abu Dhabi capital issued an order on Sunday to arrest rioters in the match between Al Ain and Al Wahda clubs, warning authorities to “respond firmly” and “from endangering lives”. sportsmanship among club fans to avoid and the safety of others. ,
A statement from the UAE’s official news agency WAM did not give details of the number of people arrested.
Footage posted on social media showed Emirati fans running into the field in their traditional white thongs and began attacking players as security guards rushed to stop them.
Another video showed a group of men kicking and thrashing each other in a stadium stand.
A dispute between rival fans resulted in at least one spectator lying on the ground injured. It was not clear how many people were injured in the riots.
The incident marked a rare outbreak of violence in this business-friendly, tourism-focused Gulf Arab sheikhdom. Protests, demonstrations and political expression are heavily repressed in an autocratic country.
Al Ain defeated close challenger Al Wahda 1–0 in the match, extending their lead at the top of the league this season to seven points.
(reported by AP)