ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region’s interior ministry on Wednesday launched an investigation into scuffles that erupted a day prior between football fans in Sulaimani, leaving several people injured.
The interior minister ordered the formation of a committee that “will visit the incident site” and “investigate the incident,” according to a statement from the Region’s interior ministry.
A day before, several people were injured after clashes broke out between supporters of Sulaimani’s Newroz Sports Club and Zakho Sports Club from Duhok, following a match held at Newroz’s home stadium in Sulaimani, east of the Kurdistan Region.
The interior ministry on Wednesday noted that “the undesirable situation has been brought under control,” and Sulaimani provincial police forces have brought “the situation back to normal, protecting the lives of players and fans alike.”
“We ask fans of both clubs and citizens to act with sportsmanship, and we urge media outlets to cooperate in promoting sportsmanship and brotherhood, which are fundamental principles of competition between all Kurdistan and Iraq clubs and sports in general,” the ministry added.
Newroz SC and Zakho SC were facing off as part of the Iraq Stars League. As the match neared its final moments and was still goalless, tensions escalated. Fans stormed the field, leading to violent confrontations among supporters and even with some players.
Commenting on the incident, the Iraqi Stars League - affiliated with the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) - expressed “deep regret” over the events that unfolded during the match between Nawroz SC and Zakho SC. It described the scuffles as a "clear violation of the noble values we strive to uphold," and pledged to implement strict measures to prevent future disturbances in stadiums.
Speaking to Rudaw, Newroz SC coach Qahtan Yousif stated that “an offside goal by Zakho Club was the source of the problems. The goal should not have counted.”“Some Zakho Club fans disrupted the situation with inappropriate comments and the situation got out of control,” Yousif added.
Footage obtained by Rudaw showed fans tossing plastic seats at each other from the stands. At least one fan appeared to have suffered a serious head injury that left him unconscious. Two other bloodied fans were also seen being rushed off the field by medics, who transferred the injured to nearby hospitals.
A Zakho SC fan told Rudaw that his eight-month-old daughter went missing during the chaos, but was found shortly afterward.
In Matchweek 29 of the league, Newroz SC had aimed to break its streak of two consecutive draws and bring joy to its team and fans, especially given the dissatisfaction of the coaching staff.
For its part, Zakho SC, having lost its last two matches, entered Tuesday’s game under pressure. Frustrated and angry fans were hoping for a much-improved performance from their team after the disappointing results of the previous two matches.
