NAIROBI, Kenya, April 19- AFC Leopards fan, Dennis, alias Derrick who attacked the centre referee during his club’s ill-tempered KPL Top 8 clash against Chemelil has been banned for life.
The decision to ban the supporter who was the face of the hooliganism act that led the game to be called off in added time with Ingwe trailing 3-2 was among the disciplinary measures arrived at following a joint Football Kenya Federation (KPL) and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) consultative meeting on Friday.
Further sanctions against Leopards are expected when the Independent Disciplinary and Appeals Committee (IDAC) is convened to review the match played on Wednesday at Nyayo National Stadium.
Earlier, KPL formally awarded Chemelil Sugar the abandoned tie after their supporters went on rampage.
In a statement released KPL CEO, Jack Oguda said, “The results of the said match stands as 3-2 in favour of Chemelil Sugar FC as recorded in the match reports and the matter will be forwarded to the Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee.”
The joined meeting chaired by FKF chair, Sam Nyamweya, also ruled that Leopards deploy 50 stewards branded and easily identifiable and strategically placed to man the perimeter fence and deter any fan from entering the pitch of play before, during and after the Match.
This takes effect from the next match against Tusker FC and other subsequent matches.
“FKF and KPL are reviewing the tapes of the past premier league matches and profiling perennial hooligans with a view of taking similar disciplinary measures against them.
“That the Independent Disciplinary and Appeals Committee (IDAC) be convened as a matter of urgency to deliberate on the matter and mete further disciplinary Action against AFC Leopards SC,” the meeting further decided.
It called for the arrest and prosecution of the said fan who was caught on cameras by the Kenya Police.
“We take note from the Match Commissioners and Referees Report on the above match played at Nyayo National Stadium that your supporters caused the abandonment of the said match in the 92nd minute contrary to Rule 3.4 on the Responsibilities of Clubs,” the CEOs statement on the match further stated.
The regulation state that clubs are responsible for the conduct of their members and supporters and must ensure they behave in a fair manner and refrain from violent, threatening, abusive, obscene and other provocative and unsporting conduct or language at a match.
It adds, “A club will forfeit any match which was abandoned because of the misconduct of their members or supporters. Clubs are financially responsible for the medical expenses and reasonable compensation for any intentional injuries, property damage or loss suffered by other clubs, officials and players caused by club members or supporters during or immediately before or after a match.”
KPL’s ruling opens the door for Leopards who have been barred from Nyayo following the fracas to be heavily fined for the hooliganism.
