In a precedent that is the first of its kind in the history of Ittihad Tangier, a sharp crisis erupted between the management and the fans after the decision to link the granting of tickets for the Raja Casablanca match to attendance at the Nahda Zemamra match.
The club issued a controversial statement announcing that it would only grant tickets for the Raja match to fans who attended the Nahda Zemamra match. The management justified its decision by claiming it aims to ensure strong attendance at regular matches and to enhance the spirit of “true belonging” within the stadium, considering that attendance at major matches should be a reward for loyal fans who support the team in all circumstances.
However, this decision did not go unnoticed, as the “Hercules” group responded with a fiery statement that considered it a “clear threat” and an “attempt to belittle the fans.”
The group stated in its announcement: “In a precedent in the history of Ittihad Tangier, the team’s management chose to belittle its fans and force them to attend a match to allow them to attend another. We chose to support Ittihad and imposed on ourselves to be loyal to it, and we will not allow anyone, as long as Hercules exists, to belittle the great fans of Ittihad.”
It added: “We attended through storms and were the only ones behind the team during the Corona era when everyone else hid. Therefore, we announce our attendance at the Nahda Zemamra match for its great importance, and we announce the boycott of the Raja match because it has become an ordinary match after this decision.”
“Hercules” called on all Ittihad fans to join the boycott, affirming that “loyalty is not purchased with a ticket, and the fans are not servants.”
Ittihad Tangier later returned to justify its initial announcement, confirming that it is not a “punishment” nor a “threat” and that it is merely a message and that no one will be deprived of a ticket for the Raja match. Clarifying that the aim of the message is to emphasize that all matches are important and there is no big match and another small one.
