Iraq summons Algerian envoy over pro-Saddam chants

Iraq has summoned the Algerian ambassador over chants in support of former dictator Saddam Hussein by Algerian football fans.

On Sunday, Iraq’s Air Force team withdrew mid-match against USM Alger in the return leg of the Arab Champions League in protest of pro-Saddam chants by Algerian fans.

The Algerian team was leading 2-0 when the Iraqi team withdrew.

In a statement, the ministry condemned the behavior of some Algerian fans during the game, saying the envoy was summoned “to convey Iraq’s rejection ad resentment to the Algerian government”.

It called for shying away “from anything that irritates our dear people and beautify the ugly face of the former dictatorial Saddam regime”.

Saddam was toppled in the aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.