Former PSL coach leaves DRC club Saint Eloi Lupopo after fan attack

Luc Eymael: Photo credit: FC Saint Eloi Lupopo

Former PSL coach Luc Eymael has mutually agreed to part ways with DRC club FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, citing safety concerns.

This decision follows an incident this past Thursday, where the former Polokwane City FC and Black Leopards coach was attacked by Lupopo fans at the Kinshasa airport.

Following two recent league play-off defeats against Aigles du Congo and Motema Pembe, angry fans confronted Lupopo's head coach, Eymael.

Players and security personnel had to intervene, protecting Eymael's support staff from the agitated crowd while the coach was quickly escorted to safety.

This incident marks a turning point, especially considering Eymael's previous successes in the Central African country, both with Lupopo and his former team, Aigles du Congo, as well as his past tenure with Free State Stars in the PSL.

"It’s official! Luc Eymael is no longer the coach of FC Lupopo. We warmly thank him for his commitment and professionalism throughout the past season,” reads the club statement.

In an interview with FARPost, Eymael has since confirmed that he and FC Lupopo have mutually agreed to part ways, citing their inability to guarantee his safety as the reason.

“We went to Kinshasa and won the first game [of the playoffs], and unfortunately, we lost the second game against the Eagles of Congo [Eymael’s former team]. Those fans started to attack us when we came out of the car," he said.

“I was under protection while my staff was fighting. So my lawyer advised me that it was not safe for me to go back on Sunday because there will be around 30,000 people around the stadium. So we found a mutual agreement.”