Zoo FC fined heavily after assaulting sports journalist, referee
By Dennis Mabuka, August 14, 2023
National Division One League (NSL) side Zoo FC have suffered the wrath of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after being slapped with a heavy fine, docked points, and ordered to play matches behind closed doors.
According to a statement from FKF, the Kericho-based outfit have been docked three points, handed a fine of Sh300, 000 and ordered to play their next five league matches behind closed after their supporters attacked the match officials and a journalist during last week’s Division One promotion playoff against Nairobi United.
“The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, having considered the submissions of Zoo FC and Nairobi United and the match officials report, has made the following ruling regarding the FKF National Super League promotion playoff (Zoo vs Nairobi United) which was abandoned in the 85th minute due to crowd trouble,” read part of the statement from FKF,” adding: “That the 2023 FKF National Super League Promotion Playoff be awarded to Nairobi United on a three (3) points-two (2) goals basis. That Zoo FC be docked three (3) points from those already accumulated in their 2022-23 league season.”
The statement continued: “That Zoo FC be docked three (3) points from their 2023-24 season’s tally. That Zoo FC is to pay a fine of Sh300, 000. That Zoo FC plays its next five home matches behind closed doors.”
During the match played at the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology, Zoo fans invaded the pitch, demanding more time added on after the fourth official had indicated an extra five minutes with Nairobi United leading 1-0 courtesy of a 75th-minute goal from Brian Lusamukhwa.
The incident which saw sports photographer John Njoroge, who was covering the match also attacked and as he was forced to delete all the images he had taken of them invading the pitch and roughing up match officials, forced referee Meshack Omondo to call off the match in the 85th minute.
The attack on Njoroge saw the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) condemn the incident and further called on FKF to take action against the goons. Njoroge has since reported the matter at Nakuru Central Police Station for further investigations.