Shabana vs Gor Mahia: Scores Reported Injured As Rival Fans Clash in Gusii Stadium
- Chaos erupted at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii a few hours before the game pitting Shabana FC against Gor Mahia
- The widely publicised game threatened to spiral out of control as rival fans clashed in the stands before storming the pitch
- The incident once again brings to the fore the suitability of Gusii Stadium to host such a high-calibre match
Several people have been reported injured at the Gusii Stadium, putting the highly anticipated clash between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia at risk.
Source: Facebook
What happened at Gusii stadium?
The two sides are set to clash on Sunday afternoon from 2pm, with the stadium filling to capacity as early as 11.30am.
Despite laying out elaborate plans all week long, the situation quickly got out of hand as the fans of the rival clubs clashed in the stands. The stadium announcer repeatedly called for calm before asking for an ambulance to ferry the injured to the hospital.
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There had been concerns about whether the 10,000-seater Gusii stadium could host a game of such magnitude. Admittedly, Shabana are nowhere near the standards Gor Mahia have set over the years, but they have a rising fanbase, which posed a security problem.
The Mashemeji Derby, often pitting Gor Mahia and their archrivals AFC Leopards, was postponed twice due to he lack of a proper stadium to host the game, and when it was finally played, Nyayo Stadium was packed to the rafters.
Fans react to Gusii stadium incident
Fans have reacted to the unfortunate turn of events in Kisii, calling for the Football Kenya Federation to ensure fans' safety at all times.
Zuhum Omar said,
"This is a sad day for Kenyan football. Never seem to plan for eventualities well. Some people posing as fans are actually wolves in sheep's clothing. People should not be leaving a football match injured. It cannot happen."
Steve Ronoh said,
"With this kind of behaviour, this game needs to be postponed, taken to neutral ground and fans banned until they start behaving."
Kennedy Jagoal said,
"I will blame Shabana executives...they insisted the match be played in Gusii stadium, which cannot hold the large number of supporters from both teams. It is a high-stakes game."
Source: UGC
Mboya Junior said,
"I long for the day we will just turn up in the stadium and cheer our teams without all these hooliganism tendencies...in Kenya, one can't even take their Child to watch, cheer and have a good time in a football match!!! Unfortunately, Disgracing!"
Omumia Nahashon said,
"Lakini, I wonder with fans at times. You have your ticket, go sit down and watch the game. We all know the stadium capacity, but we want to chest thump and show supremacy.
I still say again tickets should bear a seat number and be sold out one week before the game."
Mosdef Apollo said,
"Iko watu wanatumia fans vibaya. Why would an adult allow himself to be used as a conduit to causing other fans unrest? For what gain? The whole idea is to have the match postponed, remember it all started with Gusii can't host the match, it should be at Nyayo, so this is a furtherance of the propaganda. We can do better."
Luckily and good enough, calm was quickly restored and the game was able to go on, although with a different kickoff time. The match was delayed to 2.30 pm.
How many people were injured during Shabana vs Gor Mahia?
Contrary to media reports, FKF confirmed that there were no fatalities from the clashes, but 72 people were admitted to various hospitals across the county.
The Hussein Mohammed-led body promised to protect fans in subsequent games.
Shabana vs Gor Mahia preview
TUKO.co.ke had earlier done a match preview for Shabana vs Gor Mahia game. Only four points separate the two teams, with Shabana full aware that a win over the champions could put them in the title race.
The Glamour Boys are the most in-form team in the league, while the Green Army recovered from the Sofapaka draw and Talanta FC defeat to beat Mara Sugar 4-0.
Gor Mahia are chasing a record-extending 22nd title, while Shabana FC have never won the league.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
