By Oluwashina Okeleji & Ian Williams
GERNOT Rohr believes Libya should be sanctioned after the Benin coach and his team were left “traumatised” by the violent reaction of fans and security officers following last month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in Tripoli.
The 71-year-old German required treatment on the team bus after being struck by a baton while other members of support staff are understood to have been involved in confrontations as the visitors were detained in their dressing room after full-time.
Libya went into the game knowing only a win would give them a chance of reaching next year’s Afcon but the 0-0 scoreline at full-time meant Benin ultimately finished second behind Nigeria in Group D, securing their place at the finals in Morocco.
Rohr, a veteran of the game who has coached five African nations including Nigeria, says what followed was his worst experience working on the continent.
“What happened in Libya was really crazy,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
“I have never experienced such a situation like after the match in Tripoli.
“It was a crazy reaction from the public and the policemen who came and attacked us. Imagine being locked in the dressing room. We were left traumatised.
“It is dangerous and unsafe for international matches to be played in a country where there is political instability, with no security, and could have easily led to a tragic outcome.”
