The Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee has fined AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia Sh1million for the crowd trouble that marred their SportPesa Premier League match on August 23 at Nyayo Stadium.
IDCC also recommended that the Kenyan Premier League 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.
The hugely anticipated match between the two traditional rivals was abandoned midway through the second half after fans threw stones onto the pitch when Gor Mahia 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.
“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.
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.

Source: kpl.co.ke
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Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com