$100k fine for Equatorial Guinea

Soccer: The Equatorial Guinea football federation has been fined $100,000 (€88 million) and ordered to pay for the treatment of Ghana supporters injured by flying missiles during Thursday’s African Nations Cup semi-final at the Estadio de Malabo.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed the punishment yesterday, and announced a one-match suspended ground closure on Equatorial Guinea, the tournament hosts who lost the semi-final 3-0. The ground closure will only be enforced should there be further trouble in today’s third-place play-off match between Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo.

Announcing the sanctions on its website, CAF said 36 Ghana supporters were hurt after coming under attack from home supporters, with 14 taken to hospital. It said one of those hospitalised was under close observation.

Ghana were closing in on victory when their celebrating fans were forced to flee the stands after being pelted with bottles.

The Ghana FA’s Twitter feed described the scene as being “like a war zone” as a police helicopter hovered over the ground.

A horrifying array of items were picked off the pitch, including rocks, half a dining plate, and a jagged shard of mirror.