Table of Contents
- Gor vs Shabana chaos on Sunday, May 4 have taken a new twist
- This has prompted Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to spring into action
- FKF in a statement on Thursday condemned the violent chaos that rocked Gusii Stadium
Gor vs Shabana chaos on Sunday, May 4, has taken a new twist , prompting Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to spring into action.
FKF, in a statement on Thursday, condemned the violent chaos that rocked Gusii Stadium. The federation’s CEO Harold Ndege noted that they are probing the incident that left more than 70 people injured.
He said FKF’s probe is aimed at remedying the situation and avoiding such a recurrence in future.
Data by Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital indicates that 72 injured patients were treated at the facility since Sunday’s chaotic match.
A tough-talking Ndege maintained that football in Kenya must remain peaceful. The FKF CEO said the violence that rocked Gusii Stadium goes against the norms of unity through football.
He insisted that FKF will remain vigilant in ensuring all Kenya Premier League matches are safe.
Gor Vs Shabana Blame Game
Gor Mahia vs Shabana clash. Photo/The Eastleigh Voice
FKF spoke amid ongoing criticism over the violence that marred the Gor vs Shabana game on May 4 in Kisii. Gor Mahia fingered the federation for failing to act on intelligence reports on planned violence by a section of Shaban FC fans.
K’Ogalo chairman Ambrose Rachier faulted FKF, saying that the federation slept on its job in containing violence.
Rachier said they shared with FKF intelligence reports of planned chaos at the match, but they did nothing to save the day.
“Despite having registered a legitimate concern with the Leagues and Competitions department of having to play such a High-Risk match at Gusii Stadium, they chose not to intervene,” Rachier said in a statement on behalf of the club.
Gor further stated that the security apparatus led by Nyaribari Chache OCPD had advised that the match be called off following intelligence reports of planned violence.
The OCPD had warned that the prevailing environment was volatile, and it would be best if the match was cancelled.
It was a big shocker that Gor vs Shabana game still went on after a last-minute change of mind to have it cancelled.
“The commissioner [match commissioner], after visiting our bus, which was being held outside the stadium next to the VVIP entrance due to the home team’s refusal to open the gate, assured our players and technical bench that the match would not be played given the tense situation.
“However, during an urgent meeting involving Gor Mahia and Shabana officials, security agencies, Azam representatives, SSOs, and the Match Commissioner, we were shocked when he reversed his position. Despite the OCPD advising against proceeding with the match due to safety concerns, the Commissioner stated he had received instructions from FKF to go ahead at all costs,” the statement further read.
Shabana FC Failed to Contain Violence
Gor Mahia vs Shabana match at Gusii Stadium on May turned chaotic. Photo/The Eastleigh Voice
K’Ogalo also faulted the host team for turning a blind eye to a section of armed fans. FKF rules task the host team with the duty of safety by locking out unauthorised people or errant fans.
However, in Sunday’s match, some home team fans had batons clutched in their hands which resulted in Gor vs Shabana clash.
Rachier noted that Shabana failed in its role as a host team when its fans started throwing objects at Gor players, forcing the match to be cancelled five times.
Amid all this, FKF has promised to handle the matter decisively and ensure all other matches played are safe.
