AFC Leopards management has vowed to impose a ban on any fan who is found guilty of hooliganism, violence and intimidation.

In a statement on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side announced that it had taken action following the unprecedented events that followed their match against Ulinzi Stars on Sunday afternoon November 3, 2024.

At the tail end of the match, AFC Leopards stormed Kinoru Stadium after the side went down 2-0 against Ulinzi marking a series of poor results recorded by Tomas Trucha’s side.

According to AFC Leopards management, the agitated fans assaulted their gaffer who was then rescued by law enforcement officers off the stadium.

“Every training session, every tactical discussion, and every ounce of effort on the field is dedicated to achieving success, not defeat. The match against Ulinzi Stars was no exception and anyone who watched could see the grit, spirit and determination our players exhibited throughout the game. Regrettably, after Ulinzi scored their first goal the atmosphere took an unfortunate and hostile turn.

“Officials became targets of insults and most distressingly after the second goal our head coach Tomas Trucha was assaulted and had to be swiftly escorted out of Kinoru Stadium,” the statement read in part.

While condemning the incident, Ingwe made it clear that the security officers have launched an investigation and any fan who would be found culpable will be banned from taking part in club activities.

“We have taken immediate action by reporting the matter to the authorities and several individuals involved in the incident have been identified. We will fully cooperate with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.

“Furthermore, just as we have taken disciplinary action against players for misconduct in the past we shall apply the same standard here. Any fan found guilty of participating in these acts of violence will face a ban from stadia and Club’s activities,” the FKFPL side made it clear.

Sponsors raise concern

At the same time, AFC Leopards management has informed the fans that its partners have started raising concerns over what was witnessed in the match against Ulinzi.

The management indicated that such behaviour could push away other investors interested in partnering with the club.

However, Ingwe’s management appealed to the fans to use the right channels to address their grievances.

“This incident is unacceptable and as AFC Leopards’ management, we condemn these unwarranted actions in the strongest terms possible. To our fans, let this serve as a clear reminder: you are the heart of this club but with that honour comes responsibilities. If you have concerns or grievances we have well-established channels where these can be raised constructively. Hooliganism, violence and intimidation have no place in football and AFC Leopards will not tolerate them under any circumstances,” AFC Leopards detailed.

“Our brand as AFC Leopards and the brands of our esteemed partners are at risk if we allow such behaviour to return to our midst. In fact, our partners are concerned with the turn of events.”

Ulinzi’s beating was Ingwe’s second defeat in a week as they lost 1-0 to Murang’a Seals in their previous encounter and played to a 1-1 draw against Kariobangi Sharks.

Gor’s incident

The incident came just a day after Gor Mahia fans also stormed Machakos Stadium causing chaos and destroying property.

The incessant fans stormed the pitch after the final whistle after their side threw away a 2-0 lead to draw with Murang’a Seal.

The two incidents raised concerns with various sports stakeholders calling for proper investigation and quick action to curb the return of hooliganism and destruction during local football matches.