Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati players clash in tunnel after match
Fci Academy • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 2:26 PM
Last updated Jul 26, 2026
Following a heated match on July 26, 2026, Columbus Crew players clashed with FC Cincinnati in the tunnel. Tensions escalated after a foul during second-half stoppage time, when Cincinnati's Gerardo Valenzuela committed a reckless foul against Crew's Taha Habroune, resulting in a red card. After the match ended with Crew leading 2-1, players from both teams needed to be separated as frustration lingered. Crew coach Laurent Courtois addressed the incident, emphasizing the emotional stakes of a derby game.
- •Columbus Crew secured a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati.
- •A foul by Gerardo Valenzuela sparked a post-game confrontation.
- •Crew players defended teammate Taha Habroune after a heavy tackle.
- •Tensions persisted inside the tunnel after the match concluded.
- •Crew coach Laurent Courtois addressed the emotional nature of the rivalry.
- 2:26 PMFci Academy — Columbus Crew-FC Cincinnati rivalry boils over with ugly tunnel confrontation - The Columbus Dispatch
"A late hit from FC Cincinnati led to a heated confrontation with Columbus Crew to end the first Hell is Real meeting of 2026.
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