Bandari head coach offers explanation after chaos witnessed in clash against Gor Mahia

Bandari FC head coach Bernard Mwalala says his players’ behaviour during the Gor Mahia match on Sunday, 19 April, was “uncharacteristic”, but offered reasons why they were forced to react as they did.

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In a statement sent out by the club on Wednesday, 22 April, Mwalala explained the ugly altercation that occurred between Bandari players and match referee Phanuel Omire, following the latter’s decision to award a penalty to Gor Mahia, which he later rescinded.

Hell broke loose in the 86th minute of the league match when Omire pointed to the spot after judging that Gor Mahia winger Shariff Musa had been brought down inside the box, a decision that sparked a wild reaction from a set of Bandari players, including goalkeeper Alaine Ngeleka, who charged at the referee, even shoving him.

After a brief stoppage of play, Omire rescinded his decision, with the game ending in a barren draw.

Commenting on the incident, Mwalala, who stepped in to quell the confrontation, said: “I build my team on the principles of hard work, dedication, persistence, discipline, and a strong winning mentality.

The reaction from my players following the penalty decision was uncharacteristic and does not reflect the values we uphold as a club.

Upon reviewing the match footage, it is evident that I was the first to step onto the pitch to guide the players away from confronting the referee, ensuring that the match could proceed regardless of the decision taken.”

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While taking that stance, the former Shabana assistant coach seemed to explain his players’ reactions, pointing to earlier incidents where game decisions had gone against them, only for them to remain restrained.

“While the reaction was driven by emotion, it is important to consider the broader context,” Mwalala noted. “In recent matches, we have experienced several contentious decisions, including a disallowed goal against Shabana, a highly debated penalty incident in the same fixture, a potential denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) against Mara Sugar that did not result in a red card, as well as another disallowed goal in that match.

Additionally, we had a penalty decision overturned against Bidco, similar to the situation in the Gor Mahia fixture, and a goal-line incident against Kakamega Homeboyz where play was allowed to continue despite the ball appearing to have crossed the line.

In all these instances, the team maintained discipline and respect toward match officials.”

Mwalala added that the latest incident was not a proper representation of the Dockers, saying: “The incident against Gor Mahia remains an isolated case where emotions briefly took over, and we acknowledge that it does not represent who we are as a club.”

Earlier on Wednesday, 22 April, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier poked holes in the league’s officiating, clamouring for all-around fairness.

“There have been questionable decisions at a very critical point of the season,” Rachier said. “Justice must prevail—not just for Gor Mahia, but for every team in the league. We are not asking for favours, only that the rules are applied fairly.”

Gor Mahia chairman cries foul over standards of FKF Premier League officiating