FKF under fire as hooliganism rears its ugly face again
A total of 72 individuals were treated for injuries after chaos broke out at Gusii Stadium
The ugly scenes witnessed on Sunday during the Nyanza derby pitting Shabana FC and Gor Mahia FC at Gusii Stadium has raised huge concerns with Football Kenya Federation dubbing the crowd trouble as “unacceptable”.
It was imminent from the atmosphere right outside the stadium on match day that trouble was brewing with both sets of fans engaging each other. Police had a difficult time containing the situation. Even as FKF awaits the official match report, all eyes will be on any sanctions on the perpetrators or the clubs for failure to maintain order. This even as pundits accuse FKF of failing to enhance security at the high-octane match that had all markings of trouble.
Gor Mahia has since accused FKF and security personnel of not taking the matter seriously despite an earlier warning about possible crowd trouble. In a statement, the club urged the Federation to be on top of the issue.
“The Executive Committee of Gor Mahia Football Club wishes to take the earliest opportunity to condemn the ugly scenes witnessed at Gusii Stadium Sunday. While on it, the Gor Mahia FC Executive Committee regrets to announce that out of what appears to have been pre-planned attacks, several supporters of the club sustained serious injuries that warranted medical attention. To those who suffered injuries, the EC takes the opportunity to wish you quick and speedy recovery.”
“It is equally saddening that despite having registered a legitimate concern with the Leagues & Competitions Department of having to play such a High-Risk match at Gusii Stadium, they chose not intervene even after the security personnel led by the OCPD Kisii Sub County (Nyaribari Chache Constituency) advised that from their assessment, the prevailing environment was volatile and hence to call off the match. Gor Mahia Football Club therefore calls upon the Football Kenya Federation to take the running of the top league seriously and ensure that the rules and regulations governing Kenyan football are adhered to fully so that such unbecoming behaviour is stamped out completely.”
FKF, in a statement to media, said: “We are deeply concerned by the unfortunate scenes of violence that occurred during Sunday’s unfortunate scenes of violence that occurred during the FKF Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia FC at Gusii Stadium. We have received confirmed reports from Kisii Teaching & Referral Hospital (KTRH), RAM Hospital, Hema Hospital, Christamarianne Hospital and the police, indicating that a total of 72 individuals were treated for injuries. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported as of this evening”
“FKF strongly condemns all forms of violence in our stadiums. Football must remain a sport, that brings people together-not one that puts lives at risk. The safety and well-being of fans, players, and officials remains a top priority for the Federation. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances that led to the unrest. Decisive disciplinary measures will be taken up conclusion of ongoing investigations.”
“We urge members of the public and the media to refrain from circulating unverified reports particularly claims of fatalities. FKF will continue to monitor the situation and will provide timely updates to the public should any new developments arise. Let us work together to protect the image, integrity and safety of Kenyan football,” read the statement that came in the wake of the melee that also saw destruction of stadium facilities and walls.
