FKF slaps Zoo with sanctions over violence witnessed during abandoned playoff

Football Kenya Federation Leagues and Competitions Committee has come down heavily on Zoo FC following the incidents of violence witnessed last week during their promotion playoff game against Nairobi United.

Zoo, have been docked three points, ordered to play their next five home matches behind closed doors as well as slapped with a Ksh.300,000.

Further, the Herman Iswekha-coached side will start the new season with three points less and will remain in the third tier as the abandoned game was awarded to Nairobi United.

“The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, having considered the submissions of Zoo FC and Nairobi United and the match officials report, has made the following ruling regarding the FKF National Super League promotion playoff (Zoo vs Nairobi United) which was abandoned in the 85th minute due to crowd trouble,” read a statement from Kandanda House.

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Nairobi were leading 1-0 in the playoff game staged at the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology but it wasn’t played to the final whistle thanks to violence and other acts of hooliganism.

“That the 2023 FKF National Super League Promotion Playoff be awarded to Nairobi United on a three (3) points-two (2) goals basis. That Zoo FC be docked three (3) points from those already accumulated in their 2022/23 league season.

That Zoo FC be docked three (3) points from their 2023/24 season’s tally. That Zoo FC is to pay a fine of KES 300,000. That Zoo FC plays its next five home matches behind closed doors,” added the statement.

The irate Zoo fans were captured assaulting the fourth official Kelvin Maina as well as Nation Media Group photojournalist John Njoroge, demanding that he deletes the photos he has captured during the physical confrontation.

The match, that was approaching the tail as Maina had signaled for five additional minutes to be played was consequently abandoned.

FKF Division One playoff tie pitting Nairobi United against Zoo abandoned for crowd trouble

Brian Lusamukhwa had scored the lone goal for Nairobi United who will debut in the National Super League in 75th minute goal.

It remains to be seen who will be compelled to compensate Njoroge as his camera bore the brunt of the ugly confrontation.

Njoroge, reported the matter at Nakuru Central Police Station for further investigations.