AFC Leopards boss slams fans for handing club losses following heavy fines over Mashemeji Derby chaos

AFC Leopards boss slams fans for handing club losses following heavy fines over Mashemeji Derby chaos

Joel Omotto 18:22 - 01.05.2024

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has scoffed at the club’s supporters over the acts of hooliganism witnessed at Nyayo Stadium that have led to heavy fines on Ingwe.

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has hit out at a section of the club’s supporters over their bad behaviour that saw them destroy property and Nyayo Stadium, leading to heavy fines.

Leopards and Gor Mahia were fined Ksh505,450 and Ksh126,000 respectively by Sport Kenya on Tuesday following destruction of property by a section of their fans during the Mashemeji derby which K’Ogalo won 1-0 on April 21.

Further, Leopards have been temporary barred from using any Sports Kenya facility until the fines are fully paid following the damage that saw a polycarbonate canopy at the players' tunnel, numerous fixed and portable seats, all-metal shovels, corner flags, and even taps and gate valves broken.

“It is unfortunate when fans behave badly and destroy property. This club is respected but the fans are not showing maturity,” said an angry Shikanda.

“It is disappointing, we cannot build our team when things like these are happening. We are following leads and hope to get the culprits but fans should know that this is not our facility.

“That canopy and those seats that were destroyed did not contribute to the loss. That Ksh500,000 that we have been fined is a lot and it could have gone a long way to help the club.”

Shikanda is concerned that besides the loss, the badn behaviour is eroding the gains his team has been making in terms of bring back supporters into the stadium.

“What this does is that it destroys the image of the club and it chases away fans when we have worked so hard to get them back to the stadium,” he added.

“When people come with their children and spouses to the stadium and they get teargassed, it defeats the efforts we are putting in to rally fans back into the stadium.”

“Now, we will be forced to beef up security and have more stewards.”

Repairs are also needed for the VVIP main door and the plyboard cordon outside Gate 5, among others, as per the demand note issued to Leopards and signed by Rakki Asman, the Stadium Manager at Nyayo National Stadium.

The comprehensive list also details the replacement of a 14-gauge sheet metal checker plate at Gate 7, and even Sports Kenya banners that were damaged during the chaos.

Austin Odhiambo scored a 30th-minute goal for Gor Mahia after capitalising on some confusion in the Leopards defence to rob Ingwe goalkeeper Levis Opiyo and poke home but K’Ogalo would be reduced to 10 men five minutes later when their custodian Kevin Omondi was sent off.

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