NAIROBI, September 14 – Mashemeji rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have been fined Sh1m for the crowd trouble that marred their August 23 SportsPesa Premier League derby clash in Nairobi.
K’Ogalo who are on the verge of sealing a third successive league crown will fork out Sh600,000 whilst Leopards who jumped back to fifth on the standings will pay Sh400,000.
The Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) delivered the verdict on Monday while recommending that the Kenyan Premier League to have a ‘bigger oversight role on security matters in the football matches, electronic ticketing be introduced in the league and matches be called off once a serious breach of security has occurred.’
“Having considered all relevant factors and in the exercise of our powers under Rule 7.8 of the Rules, we apportion liability between the 1st Respondent Gor Mahia) and 2nd Respondent (AFC Leopards) at 60%:40% with the fine assessed at KSh1, 000,000.00 hoping that this will get the Respondents to find a way of controlling their fans and generally managing security in future matches.
“This means that the 1st Respondent, Gor Mahia Football Club will pay KSh600,000.00 while the 2ND Respondent, AFC Leopards SC will pay KSh400,000.00.
“This fine should be paid within 60 (Sixty) Days from the date hereof,” IDCC, chaired by Prof Migai Akech, said in its ruling released on Monday.
The hugely anticipated match between the two traditional rivals was abandoned midway through the second half after fans threw stones onto the pitch after champions Gor were awarded a penalty.
Chaos ensued and the match was eventually abandoned and subsequently awarded to Gor Mahia on a 2-0 result by the KPL.
The league body then took the case to IDCC accusing the two clubs and their set of supporters of contravening rules of the game.
IDCC ruled that AFC Leopards was guilty of causing the abandonment of the match.
“It’s clear its (AFC Leopards) fans made it impossible for the penalty to be taken. The referee had already made a call for the penalty to be taken and could not have continued with the match unless the penalty was taken.”
Gor did not escape blame for the chaos.
“From an assessment of the evidence and the submissions, a lot of the unfortunate events that happened on that day would have been avoided had proper security arrangements been put in place and the things agreed to be done, done.
“Gor Mahia failed to print enough tickets and failed to adhere to the safety and security guidelines that had been agreed upon,” IDCC said.
Gor will wrap up the title if they gain a point from their Wednesday clash against Sony Sugar.