NAIROBI, Kenya, February 28- Gor Mahia have identified 25 people alleged to have been behind the violence that marred Saturday’s Kenya Premier League match against Rangers FC at Nyayo Stadium.
Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier said at a press briefing on Monday that the club has put in place measures to deal with the accused perpetrators of the disturbance and will also involve law enforcement agencies to help curb violence in future matches.
“We are going to take action in accordance with the law. There many options we have within the club which we are going to consider as a committee. There’s also the general law of the republic because Kenyans want to see peace at our stadia,” said Rachier.
The match was called off with nine minutes remaining in normal and Rangers having a 3-0 lead courtesy of goals from Pascal Ochieng, Joseph Nyaga and Kevin Ochieng.
Police were forced to disperse a rowdy mob that had invaded the pitch with tear gas in a scene not witnessed in Kenyan football for a long time.
Rachier stated that those who they believe to have instigated the violence are not true followers of Gor and are just riding on the club’s popularity.
He also added that the incident was the last thing his club needed as they are currently involved in talks with a company interested in sponsoring them.
“The acts of hooliganism could not have come to us at a worse time, when we are at an advanced stage of negotiations for sponsorship with a prospective sponsor. We appeal to our genuine supporters to be sensitive to this fact and also to be aware that we need sponsors in order to improve our income,” said Rachier.
Rachier believes that the suspects are not true supporters of Gor stating that followers of the club will not allow themselves to be caught up in that kind of situation.
“A real supporter does not behave that way. A real supporter supports the club, builds the club’s image and takes a loss in his or her own stride,” said Rachier.
Rachier also confirmed that they have received Sh1.5 million from Denmark club Randers FC for the transfer of George Odhiambo.
He added that club is also on track in owning its own bus after depositing Sh1.7 million at the dealer.
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