Mamadou Niang’s 81st minute goal sparked a massive brawl in Tuesday’s Asian Champions League semifinal in Suwon, South Korea. Qatari club Al Sadd broke an unwritten rule by scoring while one of Suwon’s players was down on the field in need of medical attention.
A Suwon player suffered a head injury in the Al Sadd area and the home team allowed the ball to roll out of bounds, thinking play would stop so he could be treated. The referee allowed play to continue and a teammate quickly sent Niang through on goal. He scored and ugly scenes ensued.
The Koreans reacted furiously and players and staff attacked the visitors. Despite the attempts of one fan to use his or her vuvuzela to sustain the fighting, the brawl ended and order was restored.
Suwon’s Stevica Ristic and Al Sadd’s Keita were sent off by the referee for their roles in the brawl. Niang was sent off after play resumed.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will gather evidence and statements. Fines, sanctions and suspensions are sure to follow.
Watch the brawl between Al Sadd and Suwon below
