Equatorial Guinea fined for Afcon semis violence

Equatorial Guinea's football federation was fined $100,000 for fan violence in the home team's semifinal loss to Ghana in the African Cup of Nations (Afcon).

At least 36 people were injured and 14 were taken to the hospital when angry home fans threw bottles and rocks and clashed with riot police during the 0-3 semifinal loss, reports Xinhua.

The Confederation of African Football Friday also ordered Equatorial Guinea to pay for the treatment of all the people injured in the chaos Thursday at Malabo Stadium.

The match was halted for over 30 minutes late in the second half as Ghanaian fans, who fled the missiles being thrown at them, forced open a gate, and ran onto the field to huddle for safety behind one of the goals.

Riot police fired tear gas at Equatorial Guinea fans, and a helicopter hovered dangerously low over the stands as authorities tried to restore order.

The Ghana fans were escorted out of the stadium by security.

Equatorial Guinea will have to play their next home game without any fans as another penalty, CAF said in a statement following a meeting of its disciplinary committee here.

CAF had already warned Equatorial Guinea over the conduct of its supporters and fined it $5,000 after there was trouble in the stands in the quarterfinals, a contentious 2-1 win over Tunisia at Bata Stadium last weekend.