Al Wasl WAGs evacuated as crowd trouble erupts

Dubai: Ugly scenes erupted at the end of Al Shabab's 2-0 etisalat Pro League victory over Al Wasl in Al Mamzar last night, resulting in the evacuation of players' wives and girlfriends from the stadium by police and players, including Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona, who mounted the stands from the pitch to help his partner Veronica.

Brazilian striker Ciel, who set up and then scored in the 2-0 win, was the subject of much fury by Argentine supporters from Diego Maradona's entourage, which included Maradona's partner Veronica and Al Wasl player Juan Mercier's other half.

This reaction in turn sparked fury from Al Shabab supporters defending the Brazilian after countless insults were exchanged.

In the rush to get wives and girlfriends out of the stadium and into the safety of their cars — for fear of trouble — Juan Mercier's partner tripped and fell down the stairs before Mercier himself ran to her aid. Maradona was beside Mercier to assist his own partner to safety.

"Some people are cowards. They only attack women and have no courage to confront men. This is the first time I am upset with the fans. If they are angry with me they should know that I did it [climbed the stands] for my wife because someone was calling her names," Maradona said.

‘Not real fans'

"They shouldn't be angry with me, they should be angry with the people who did this. They are cowards, not real fans."

Paulo Bonamigo, coach of Al Shabab, said of the incident: "I didn't see anything. By the time that was happening we were already down the tunnel. I don't think it had anything to do with our players, did it?

"So it wasn't a problem with us. I have no comment. If there is anything to comment about this, we will regroup, discuss and make a statement only after knowing all the facts. But as of now, we didn't see anything."