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Marafiki FC have called for speedy investigations after their match against Karatina Homeboyz was abandoned due to the acts of hooliganism
Football Kenya Federation Division Two side Marafiki FC have called on the federation to help apprehend the culprits who beat up a match official during their match against Karatina Homeboyz on Wednesday.
The hotly-contested clash between the two Nyeri sides was staged at Karatina Stadium but the game was abandoned after 36 minutes when irate fans beat up an assistant referee for allegedly flagging a goal offside, after Marafiki had scored.
Fans descended on the match official and roughed him up, leaving him with injuries as hooliganism reared its ugly head on another Kenyan football match again.
However, Marafiki have exonerated themselves from blame, pointing an accusing finger at their rivals who were the host team.
“We as Marafiki are deeply saddened by the acts of hooliganism that transpired yesterday (Wednesday) during our game against Karatina Homeboyz at Karatina Stadium,” the club said via a statement.
“Referees play an integral part in our sports at all levels and we want to echo and make it very clear that there is no space in our sports for abuse. We encourage everyone in the football community to play an active role in standing up against the abuse and behaviour that goes against the values of the game.
“We invite all relevant bodies related to sports and security to do further investigations on the matter to get the culprits to book.”
However, a section of fans have accused Marafiki of instigating the violence against the match official as the blame game continues.
Questions will also be asked whether the home team provided enough security at the match venue as required by law.
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