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Responsibility should not belong primarily to the hosts when it came to ensuring stadiums are adequately prepared for security breaches or disruptions.
When Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo handled the ball outside the box during last Sunday's Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) clash against AFC Leopards the center referee failed to caution him which was the catalyst for chaos.
A section of AFC Leopards fans responded by hurling missiles at the referee, who had to be restrained from being attacked physically by the angry fans prompting police to fire teargas to restore sanity.
Homeboyz fans also contributed to the match being stopped in the 34th minute as they engaged their rival fans in running battles and stone-throwing.
At that time, Homeboyz were leading 1-0 courtesy of Hillary Otieno's strike in the 24th minute after some good play in the midfield by Eston Esiye.
It was like a throwback to the nineties when AFC Leopards fans were notorious for such decadent behaviour, and what is worse, this commotion caused the abandonment of the match.
16:00 - 17.04.2023
FKFPL Bukhungu crowd violence: The sanctions Leopards and Homeboyz are starring at after ugly incident
Both Ingwe and the home side face potential fines after unruly fans caused the abandonment of the league match
As if that was not enough, Leopards fans blocked Homeboyz players and officials from using the tunnel to the dressing rooms as they threw objects at them.
In between the fray, the match referee was reported to have suffered chest and head injuries from the thrown objects.
With the incident not being the first for AFC Leopards, where in the past they have been punished by league authorities through deductions points coupled with hefty fines, do they ever learn?
Gone are the days when fans meted justice on any controversial decision in the form of stones, pitch invasions, and running battles with police. Also gone are the days when AFC Leopards received preferential treatment because of their status.
FKF Premier League and the hosts, Homeboyz also came into sharp focus. To say security was lax was an understatement, given that it was a high-profile match followed by fans nationwide. They must up their game and ensure adequate safety to protect the referees, fans, and players.
They must also take stern action against AFC Leopards as they are not the first offenders, and they should undoubtedly throw the book at them.
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10:30 - 18.04.2023
FOOTBALL Matano, Aussems set for potential legal battle over ‘juju man’ jibe
The two tacticians were involved in a touchline altercation that has seen matters escalate off the pitch
A fine will not do at this time. Playing behind closed doors and even fans being prosecuted for assault should be considered.
FKF must stamp its authority and end football hooliganism if it wants to grow the sport in this country.
It will send the perfect signal that violence will not be condoned. It will also help the Leopards administration grasp the seriousness of the issue and treat it as such because not all Ingwe fans threw stones—just a few misguided fans who have refused to move with the times.
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