NAIROBI, Kenya, October 21- AFC Leopards have been stripped of the GOtv Shield title, ordered to play their remaining matches behind closed doors in addition to paying a fine of Sh500,000 (USD5,624) within seven days after their fans caused the fracas which led to the abandonment of their semi final against Sofapaka on Monday.
The tough sanctions were arrived at after a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss the aborted tie after rowdy Leopards fans went on rampage when their beloved side went 2-0 down to Sofapaka four minutes to full time.
“AFC Leopards SC will play their remaining 2014 season matches in an empty stadium and compensate the home team for loss of revenue in the event they are playing away,” the committee announced adding the fine and medical expenses incurred by injured match officials and fans to the list.
“AFC Leopards SC must identify their scouts who were responsible for assaulting match officials. Arising from the abandonment, the match has been awarded to Sofapaka SC who will play Rangers FC in the finals of the FKF/GOTV Shield,” the federation added also locking the club out from the third and fourth place play-offs of the domestic cup competition and the financial rewards that come with featuring in the same.
“The National Executive Committee has with great concern established that serious acts of hooliganism, violence, injuries and bodily harm occurred during the above referenced match.
“It has clearly emerged that a section of AFC Leopards SC fans caused the abandonment of the match in the 85th minute by throwing stones and other missiles into the field of play targeting match officials, players and the police officers,” FKF held.
“This barbaric and heinous action resulted in serious injuries to the match officials, fans and damage to vehicles as well as destruction of Stadium property.”
Leopards’ chairman, Allan Kasavuli, told Capital Sport they were awaiting the report before commenting on the matter that cast the club into shame.