Clashes following a high-profile football match in western Libya have left several individuals injured and resulted in a government building being set on fire in the capital, Tripoli. The violence erupted on Thursday night after a match between Tripoli’s Al-Ittihad SCSC and Misrata’s Asswehly SC was suspended. Trouble reportedly began in the town of Tarhuna, approximately 80 kilometers south of the capital, according to official reports.
The pitch-side dispute quickly escalated into urban rioting.
The Libyan news agency LANA reported that the game, which was being played behind closed doors, was called off shortly before the final whistle. Players from Al-Ittihad protested aggressively over a disputed penalty kick that they believed should have been awarded. This on-field tension rapidly spread outside the stadium, where supporters and local security forces engaged in violent confrontations. Several injuries were confirmed as authorities attempted to disperse the growing crowd.
The unrest reached the heart of the capital later that evening. The Libyan Presidential Council confirmed that a group of individuals attacked the headquarters of the Council of Ministers in Tripoli. According to official statements, the building was subjected to acts of "sabotage and arson" as protesters vented their anger over the match suspension. Firefighters were deployed immediately and managed to contain the blaze before it caused catastrophic damage to the structure.
Government officials have called for an immediate investigation into the events. The Presidential Council emphasized that feelings of injustice must be addressed through legal channels rather than through acts of violence or destruction. While the fire was contained quickly, the incident highlights the fragile security situation in the region. Extra security measures have been implemented around government installations in Tripoli to prevent further escalations as tensions remain high among rival club supporters.
