Mogadishu City Club Issues Apology After Fans Disrespect Kenyan Flag in CAF Clash
Mogadishu City Club has apologised after some of its fans were caught on camera trampling the Kenyan national flag during a CAF Champions League preliminary match against Kenya Police FC in Nairobi.
The incident happened on September 20 at Nyayo National Stadium after Police FC beat the Somali side 3-1 in the first-leg encounter. A video that went viral online showed a group of Mogadishu fans stepping on the Kenyan flag.
In a statement, the club condemned the act and apologised to Kenyans.
“We strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the government and people of Kenya. This has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents,” the statement read.
The Somali side pledged to cooperate with Kenyan authorities and asked its fans to maintain peace and respect.
“Football is a game of unity, love and mutual respect and we ask all supporters to uphold these values and promote harmony in our communities,” the club added.
Under Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, desecrating the flag is punishable by a fine of up to Sh5,000, six months in prison or both. Authorities have not yet confirmed if those involved will be charged.
The controversy overshadowed what was an intense match. Kenya Police FC took a big lead going into the second leg with goals from Eric Zakayo, Edward Omondi and David Simiyu while Mogadishu City got a late consolation.
The two teams will meet again this Sunday at Nyayo Stadium with Police looking to progress to the next round and Mogadishu City seeking footballing redemption and goodwill from Kenyan fans.
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Mogadishu City Club Issues Apology After Fans Disrespect Kenyan Flag in CAF Clash