AFC IN HOT SOUP: FKF promises tough action, AFC blame referee for inciting fans as Sofapaka terms it barbaric

AFC Leopards could face severe action following the chaos that erupted during the GOtv Shield semi-final match at City Stadium on Monday even as the club blamed centre referee Davies Omweno for the aborted match against Sofapaka.

The club’s Secretary General George Aladwa claimed Omweno had incited the fans with poor decisions.
“From the start, the match went on well. Sofapaka were clearly better than us, but the referee messed up with some questionable decisions. The first goal by Sofapaka was genuine, but we are not sure about the second,” he said.

But Football Kenya Federation (FKF) promised to take severe action against AFC Leopards over the violence which might include being forced to play behind closed doors or being kicked out of the competition next season.

In a statement signed by President Sam Nyamweya, the federation said it will also impose a heavy fine on the club.

“The federation is considering far-reaching sanctions including banning fans from attending their matches and financial sanctions and/or fines as well as total exclusion from the competition for next year,” he said in a statement.

Aladwa claimed the free kick which resulted in the second goal should not have been allowed in the first place and believes allowing it is what caused trouble.
“Before that, we had been denied a penalty and then Enock Agwanda, in a clear case of pretence, went down without being tackled. That free kick and the goal should not have counted.”

Aladwa refused to condemn the fans for their action, insisting that they were incited by the referee.

“The fans reacted out of anger. Referees should be careful when handling such volatile matches and avoid doing anything that may incite fans.”

Sofapaka also condemned the action by AFC fans which left property worth thousands of shillings destroyed and many people injured.
Sofapaka chairman Elly Kalekwa said the action by AFC Leopards fans ought to be heavily punished to act as a deterrent.

“We are struggling to get sponsors in this league and such actions do not help at all. We are disappointed that FKF continues to be lenient when such incident happen yet it is the brand that is being affected. Serious action needs to be taken, otherwise we will discourage potential sponsors from coming on board,” said Kalekwa.

FKF said AFC Leopards will have to bear the burden of loss to property and destruction of individuals’ vehicles including SuperSport Outside Broadcasting van and equipment.

“Medical bills for those injured during the fracas will also be borne by the club. While FKF will announce the fee imposed on Leopards as a fine, the total cost of underwriting cost of destruction of property and medical expenses will be established and announced once a complete audit of the incident and its effects has been done.”

The federation is expected to announce sanctions it is planning in the next two days.