The chaos that erupted during the Kenya Premier League (KPL) promotion/relegation playoff match between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United on Tuesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex was uncalled for and retrogressive.
The match aborted in the 66th minute after the match referee, John Sulwe, was attacked by a section of Kariobangi Sharks players and fans moments after awarding a penalty to Mombasa United.
Kariobangi Sharks were leading 2-1 in the return leg match with Mombasa United having won 2-1 in the first leg the previous weekend.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) must move with haste to investigate, find out what happened before acting decisively to deter such acts of hooliganism.
Over the years, the country has witnessed many incidents of hooliganism that have led to destruction of properties with fans injured yet no meaningful action has been taken.
Although the FKF Leagues and Competition Committee and Sports Kenya have on several occasions fined clubs and ordered them to play certain matches behind closed doors due to fan trouble, these measures seem insufficient to deter fans from engaging in such behaviours.
The committee summoned Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United for disciplinary hearing yesterday at the Weston Hotel but it shouldn’t be a meeting that will come up with lasting solutions.
It’s Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United promotion and relegation saga that has delayed the start of the 2026/2027 KPL. The league was to start on August 22, 2026.
While adequate security at the stadium before the start of every match should be priority, hefty fines and bans for fans and clubs, who engage in the vice should be considered. CCTV cameras will play a critical role in identifying the culprits.
Hooliganism has no place in our football stadiums.
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