### Back to the incident of the meeting between the Leopards of the DRC and South Sudan: a reflection on the passion of football and its consequences
The match played between the leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan was marked by an incident which, although temporary, has raised many questions concerning the relationship between sports and security passion on the ground. In the 64th minute, while the DRC led 1-0, fireworks broke out in the stands, forcing the referee, Mr. Alvacao C., to stop the game for almost five minutes. This event, as worrying as it is outstanding, is indicative of the challenges that modern football must take up.
#### A moment of tension under the Congolese sky
As soon as the heating is heated, the atmosphere at the stadium was electric. The supporters, deeply invested in their team, see the leopards carrying out, were carried away by excitement. However, this craze took an unexpected turn when firecrackers were launched, drawing attention not only from the referee but of all those involved in the organization of this event. Indeed, the Protocol of FIFA and IFAB, whose arbitrator respected the instructions, underlines that it is its duty to guarantee the safety of all the actors present. Respect for law 17.5.7, stipulating that the referee can interrupt the match for reactions from spectators, has enabled rapid and prudent decision -making.
However, this incident brings us to question: how far can the enthusiasm of the supporters? Can we really tax this passion for irresponsibility or does this indicate an unexpressed need of catharsis in a region still marked by conflicts?
#### A look at the importance of supporters
Supporters play a crucial role in team performance. Studies show that the presence of an enthusiastic audience can increase the performance of players by 20%. The DRC, a country where football unites millions of people, benefits from this craze. However, this support can become a double edge. While players like Masuaku express their frustration in the face of behavior deemed inappropriate, it is essential to understand that part of this reaction comes from a culture of support that ignites, sometimes in an uncontrolled way. This passion, although being able to fuel successes, is also to be monitored to avoid regrettable overflows.
#### A comparison with other leagues
In addition, this incident is not isolated. Other football championships around the world had to face similar situations. In 2021, during a match in the Italian League, supporters had also lit smoke bombs, causing an interruption of the game. Unlike the DRC where the country is still looking for stability, European clubs have often managed to put more rigorous security measures, based on different cultural perceptions of the repression of overflows. A reflection is therefore essential on the way in which the DRC and other nations can learn from these experiences to regulate and strengthen the behavior of supporters.
#### Impact on the Congolese Football Federation
After the end of the incident, it is also crucial to project yourself into the future. A mention of this incident in the referee’s final report could cost the Congolese football federation (FECOFA) dearly. This then raises the question of the management of supporters’ behaviors in the institutional spheres of football. An educational and preventive approach could be considered to raise awareness of the importance of their behavior.
Measures may include awareness -raising campaigns on respect for safety rules, as well as clearer sanctions for inappropriate behavior. The stake is not limited only to the spectacle version of this sport, but to its ability to promote values of respect, especially in a context where football is perceived as one of the main vectors of peace and unity in the country.
#### Conclusion: passion at the service of a common project
The meeting between the Leopards of the DRC and South Sudan will undoubtedly be memorable for the sporting impact it has, but the incident occurred recalls that the passion for football must be accompanied by collective responsibility. The quality of the game, the team spirit and the fervor of the supporters must go hand in hand with compliance with safety standards.
At the dawn of future meetings, especially in a country where resilience and national unity are also precious, it is the responsibility of each player in sport, from FECOFA to supporters themselves, to guarantee that football remains a vector of joy, an escape to the harsh reality, but also a secure framework of entertainment. By paying tribute to this passion, it should be supervised so that it can express themselves fully, without overflowing or regrettable incidents.