Shabana boss responds to FKF following warning over fan misconduct

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FOOTBALL Shabana boss responds to FKF following warning over fan misconduct

Joel Omotto 18:24 - 08.10.2023

Shabana secretary general Elizaphan Kerama has reacted to a warning from FKF following incidents of bad behaviour from a section of Tore Bobe supporters

Shabana secretary general Dr Elizaphan Kerama has promised to deal decisively with the club’s fans who are painting Tore Bobe in bad light following a warning from the Football Kenya Federation.

FKF league's manager Mike Karume sent Shabana a strongly-worded letter on Saturday, warning the club of dire consequences over the bad behaviour of some of their supporters who broke the fence at Ulinzi Sports Complex during their clash against AFC Leopards and repeated the act during their recent 1-0 against Tusker FC on Friday, where objects were hurled onto the field, injuring a journalist.

“FKF would like to bring to your attention a matter of great concern regarding the behaviour of a section of your fans during recent FKF-PL matches. It has been noted and reported by the FKF Safety and Security department that there have been instances of a section of fans throwing objects and invading the pitch during celebrations, which is both dangerous and disruptive to the game,” said part of the letter from FKF.

“We would like to remind you that the actions of your fans reflect upon the club and the league at large, and it is the responsibility of the club's management to ensure that the fans conduct themselves in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner. Therefore, we strongly urge you to take immediate action to address this issue and prevent any recurrence in the future,” added the latter while warning of sanctions such as fines, points deduction and playing behind closed doors if the behaviour persists.

While acknowledging receipt of the letter, Kerama admitted being aware of the ugly incidents, saying the club has instituted measures to avoid a recurrence.

“I received the letter yesterday (Saturday) and I want to say sorry for what happened. We are talking to our fans through the branches and we do not advocate for the same,” Kerama told Pulse Sports.

“It was not a good picture and we do not anticipate a repeat going forward. We have a sponsor to market and still looking for others so we cannot entertain such characters in the stadium.”

Kerama says the club has already identified the culprits who will be dealt with decisively before Shabana’s next match against Nairobi City Stars on October 22.

“We are one of the most orgainsed clubs in Kenya and at Kasarani Stadium (against Tusker), the sitting arrangement was done as per the branches so we already know those who threw objects on the pitch,” he added.

“We have initiated thorough investigations through the branch leaders, we have various WhatsApp groups that will be preaching the gospel on the ground and I can sure you that before our next game, it would have been dealt with.

“We are all reading from the same page because when letters like these come, our fans already know the consequences.”

Shabana are one of the clubs with a huge following in the country and have been enjoying massive support before and after their promotion to the top flight last season.

Sammy Okoth’s men endured a poor start to the season, failing to win any of their first five games, before ending the drought with the victory over Tusker.