Mokwena 'saddened' by rock-throwing incident

Wydad Casablanca head coach Rulani Mokwena has expressed his disappointment at the violent scenes which saw rocks thrown at his players after the 2-2 draw with AS FAR on Thursday.

The hosts took an early lead through Mohamed Hrimat (4′) at the Stade Municipal de Kenitra, but Mokwena’s side hit back with two quick-fire goals from Oussama Zemraoui (14′) and Mohamed Rayhi (18′) to go 2-1 up at the break.

Youssef El Fahli would equalise four minutes into the second half and the visitors had to hang on for a share of the spoils after Abdelmounaim Boutouil was sent off for a second bookable offence on 74 minutes.

However, things took a turn for the worst when sections of the home support threw missiles onto the pitch after the final whistle, with Wydad goalkeeper Youssef El Motie being struck by one of the projectiles.

Mokwena brought two of the rocks with him to the post-match press conference and told the media he was saddened to witness such a shocking incident in a country where football is loved so dearly by the masses.

“Football is not this [pointing at the rocks]. Morocco is not this,” the South African tactician said. “This is one of the things that disappoint me. The rocks were thrown at the players.

“We are rivals for sure and it’s played in that spirit and it’s sad for me to bring the rocks here but somebody has to do it, before someone loses their life.

“I’m told this is normal but it cannot be normal that players have to play against an opponent that is very good, and is a big club, an amazing club in an amazing country where I have received nothing but love.

“Okay, we are rivals – but we are not enemies! It makes me sad that my players had to escape this.”