Leopards says they will oblige in hooliganism probe

AFC Leopards has pleaded with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Kenya Premier League to give them 14 days to finish an internal investigation into the latest act of hooliganism that has rocked the club.

Leopards’ match stewards have been accused of roughing up the centre referee who officiated Sunday’s clash against Nzoia Sugar at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos with club officials said to have incited the incident.

Leopards Secretary General Oscar Igaida has said they have already set up a team to conduct an internal investigation after FKF president Nick Mwendwa demanded quick action on the matter.

“We have written to the FKF and KPL to request them that in 14 days we will have identified the individuals.

“We do not condone hooliganism and we believe in indulgence,” Igaida said.

Mwendea expressed displeasure after referee George Mwai was attacked following a late Nzoia equalizer which meant their KPL clash ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Ingwe led by Brian Marita first half goal until 94th minute when the visitors leveled through Bakari Randy.

In the build up to Randy’s goal the assistant referee signaled a foul on Leopards Rwandan goalkeeper Ndayishimiye Eric but the referee overruled him allowing the goal to stand a decision that arked Ingwe fans who decided to beat up the centre referee.

Igaida however shifted a share of the blame on FKF, saying the governing body should find a solution to the poor officiating standards.

“We are not the only team complaining about the standards of refereeing in Kenya.

“There are four to five incidences where we have marked the referees’ mistakes in their work and forwarded the complains to the FKF and KPL but nothing has been done to rectify the problem,” he said.

Leopards have won seven points from 6 matches so far, winning once and drawing four times.

Their next assignment will be against the struggling KCB on Saturday at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos as head coach Marko Vasilijec seeks Leopards’ second win of the season.