Stricter rules need to be implemented to curb hooliganism in Kenyan football

FKFPL Stricter rules need to be implemented to curb hooliganism in Kenyan football

Festus Chuma 06:33 - 13.11.2023

Addressing football hooliganism in FKF Premier League and emphasizing the need for balanced measures beyond point deductions to deter fan misbehavior.

Hooliganism is rearing its ugly head once again in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) if what was witnessed at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Ulinzi Sports Centre are anything to go by. 

The recent clashes between fans and authorities in matches involving top Kenyan clubs like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have raised concerns about the need for immediate action to curb such unruly behavior.

On a fateful Saturday, Gor Mahia fans clashed with police following their match against Murang'a Seal.

Chaos initially erupted when an irate Gor Mahia supporter stormed onto the pitch with the intention of attacking the referee, claiming poor officiating. 

The contentious decisions made by the officials on that day, including a controversial offside call, fueled frustration among the fans.

The controversial goal scored by Benson Omala sparked outrage as the goalkeeper's parry rebounded to Omala, who netted it before being flagged offside.

In response to the controversial officiating, fans started uprooting seats and hurling them onto the pitch leading to the deployment of tear gas and rubber bullets by the police.

At Ulinzi Sports Complex, AFC Leopards fans were also involved in altercations during their game against Posta Rangers. 

They demanded a late penalty, contested Brian Marita's equalizer, and believed that Posta Rangers' Jackson Macharia should have been booked for a dangerous challenge. 

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) must take decisive action against clubs and their unruly fans to deter future trouble. 

Docking points is one potential solution that deserves consideration.

While banning or suspending fans and officials may seem like an alternative, history has shown that it often falls short in curbing such behavior.

The idea of deducting points was proposed several years ago and still holds merit today. 

Fans are likely to be more cautious when their actions directly impact their beloved clubs. The threat of point deductions sends a clear message that hooliganism will not be tolerated.

FKF also needs to explore effective methods of identifying and banning unruly fans from stadiums.

 Authorities should emphasize that there are proper channels for lodging complaints and addressing grievances. 

Additionally, FKF must address the incidents involving Gor Mahia and its fans after the clash with Shabana. 

Swift and decisive action is essential to maintain the integrity of Kenyan football. Failure to do so could further erode public trust and discourage families from attending matches due to safety concerns.

Education and awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in preventing hooliganism. Clubs, alongside FKF, should collaborate to promote sportsmanship and respect among fans. 

This can include fan engagement programs, workshops, and initiatives that encourage positive behavior in stadiums.

Furthermore, clubs should take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters. They should actively discourage violence and promote a welcoming atmosphere for all fans.

Clubs that fail to control their fanbase's unruly behavior should face consequences, including fines and sanctions. 

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