Algerian Football Season Marred by Scorching Heat and Tragedy
The Algerian football season has ended on a somber note, with teams and fans alike complaining about the extension of the season into the scorching summer months. The final games were played in temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, posing a significant challenge to players and spectators alike. MC Oran’s last match of the domestic league against USM Alger on June 20 kicked off at 18h00 local time, with the heat taking a visible toll on the players.
According to MC Oran’s assistant coach, Abdellatif Bouazza, "We lived through that in some matches, a great difficulty even before kick-off, in the warm-ups, the players suffering from a lot of things like fatigue, dehydration, and sweating too much." Bouazza also noted that the FIFA Club World Cup is taking place in similar conditions, exacerbating the fatigue among players and staff. Despite the challenging conditions, MC Oran emerged victorious with a 4-0 win over USM Alger.
However, the heat has not only affected the players but also the fans, who have been attending matches in fewer numbers due to the extreme temperatures. Fan Razkallah expressed his concern, saying, "Because of our love for MCO, we must get into the stadium despite the extreme heat, but at 6 pm, that is too much." He suggested that matches should be played later in the evening, around 7 or 8 pm, to mitigate the effects of the heat.
In a tragic turn of events, three people died and dozens were injured in Algiers on Sunday when a stadium security barrier collapsed amid celebrations after MC Alger retained its league title. The National Football League has since canceled the official trophy presentation ceremony as a mark of respect for the victims.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Algerian football community, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and consideration for the well-being of players and fans during extreme weather conditions. As the football world mourns the loss of life and injury, it is essential to prioritize the safety and comfort of all stakeholders involved in the beautiful game.
