Demands to protect media professionals in stadiums

Following the events that took place in the second leg of the African Confederation Cup semi-final between Olympique Safi and USM Algiers, the National Union of Professionals of the National Radio and Television Company expressed its strong condemnation of the chaotic and violent behavior of the supporters and fans of this Algerian club, as they took to the field and stormed the platform of journalists, technicians and photographers. Which led to “complete disruption to their work and damage to some equipment and supplies.”

The same union framework, which falls under the banner of the Moroccan Labor Union, expressed in a statement its absolute and unconditional solidarity with all journalists, engineers and technicians working in the mobile unit that provided the live broadcast of the match, calling for “providing more protection for the journalistic, technical and professional crews who work in the sports stadiums while performing their duties.”

The National Union of Professionals and Professionals of the National Radio and Television Company also called for the allocation of an occupational hazard grant for the benefit of workers in mobile units inside stadiums.

The riots caused the postponement of the start of the match between Olympique Safi and USM Algiers, which was hosted by Al Massira Stadium in the Pottery capital, Morocco, for the second leg of the African Confederation Cup semi-final, after friction occurred between fans of the two teams. Video clips circulated on social networking sites captured a number of Algerian club supporters throwing chairs and water bottles at some journalists and photographers who were present at the scene.