A heated night of football in Libya descended into chaos on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, after the highly anticipated Tripoli Derby between Al Ahli Tripoli and Al Ittihad was abandoned following a shocking act of violence.
The fierce clash between the two Libyan giants was called off while Al Ittihad led 1-0, after reports confirmed that the team’s bus was set ablaze during the match.
The disturbing incident, which took place in the capital city of Tripoli, forced the match officials to halt proceedings due to growing safety concerns.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and rising tension in and around the stadium as news of the burning bus spread.
Footage and photos quickly surfaced online showing the charred remains of the vehicle, drawing widespread outrage across the football world.
This is not the first time a derby between the two sides has been marred by violence, but Wednesday’s events represent a troubling escalation.
The Tripoli derby has long been one of the most passionate and volatile fixtures in Libyan football, but the latest developments have once again put the spotlight on the country’s ongoing struggle to ensure safety and order in its domestic league.
The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has yet to release an official statement on the incident or clarify what disciplinary action, if any, will follow.
With both teams having a rich history and massive fan bases, the fallout from the abandonment is expected to dominate local sports discourse in the coming days.
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