Onduparaka FC has condemned yesterday’s violence during their Ugandan Premier League home tie against The Saints in which disgruntled soldiers brandished their guns.
The highly tensed match at Greenlight Stadium, Arua was temporarily halted twice as the soldiers violently protested “unfair officiating.”
In the first incidence, The Saints, a military outfit, “rioted” after an award of penalty, after Kabon Living was brought down tumbling in the forbidden area, the match proceeded after the situation normalised.
In the second incidence, officials and players stormed the field – attacking the ref, who took off to safety, after Kabon converted from a corner kick in the 93rd for a 3-2 win.
On the touchline, a number of gun wielding soldiers caused a scare as one aimed his gun at Onduparaka officials and had to be disarmed.
“As a club we believe such life threating acts of violence and uacceptable behavior by supporters of Saints FC has no place in football, a sport we must protect and defend,” a statement from Onduparaka reads.
The newly promoted side urged FUFA, the Ugandan FA, to take disciplinary action against whose fans wreak havoc during matches.
“We urge FUFA to appeal to football clubs and their fans to behave in a responsible and respectful manner. It is absolutely necessary that the football clubs whose fans create incidents of this nature be punished according to the disciplinary rules of the game.”
