Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards docked points over hooliganism

Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were each docked three points Thursday after the Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) found the clubs guilty of failing to control their fans during league matches earlier this season.

However, in a quick rejoinder, officials of the two popular teams have strongly disputed the ruling, and vowed to challenge it within the various sports conflict resolution bodies.

Gor's incident occurred during a league match against Tusker at the Nyayo Stadium on April 16, a contest the defending champions lost 1-0.

This game was halted for close to 15 minutes after a Gor Mahia supporter stormed the pitch and assaulted a match official, in protest of a decision to award Tusker a penalty.

"All clubs participating in tournaments organised by the KPL must understand that the KPL does not condone any acts of hooliganism," the IDCC statement read in part.

Similarly, Leopards are also on the spot for allowing their fans and stewards access the pitch, causing trouble and consequent abandonment of their match against Ulinzi Stars on April 23 in Mumias.

Coincidentally, Leopards fans were also protesting a call by the match referee to award Ulinzi a penalty late in the game.

"I read clean and clear mischief in this ruling. Our scenario is the same as what occurred during the match between Harambee Stars and Guinea Bissau (on March 27). There was crowd trouble but the match was concluded and Caf never docked Kenya of any points. We shall appeal," Gor's Secretary General Ronald Ngala charged.

APPEAL THE RULING

Leopards co-chairman Dan Mule added: "They (KPL) are basing this ruling on an earlier threat from the FKF Chairman. We cannot work like this. There is nowhere we as the stakeholders of the game sat and passed such resolutions, we shall appeal."

Separately, Gor Mahia custodian Boniface Oluoch was found guilty of assaulting a match official and banned for one game.

These two rulings have been announced barely a month after Football Kenya Federation also announced tough measures meant to curb the rising cases of crowd trouble witnessed during league matches this season.

The violent incidents also led to the temporary suspension of sponsorship agreements between Leopards and Gor with online betting firm SportPesa, although normalcy has since been restored.

Following this development, Gor Mahia will drop to second on the updated KPL standings with 26 points, three behind Tusker. Leopards on the other hand, drop six places to 10th on the standings.