B. OdhiamboShabana slams officiating in Gor Mahia defeat, condemn hooliganism
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 03.11.23. | 09:30
The defeat left Shabana drooping second from the bottom of the 18-team table with seven points from nine matches
Shabana suffered their fourth loss of the campaign on Wednesday 1 November afternoon as they succumbed to a late Rooney Onyango goal that handed defending champions Gor Mahia a 1-0 victory, and now the Glamour Boys head coach Sammy Okoth has blamed the team’s defeat to the decisions made by the match officials.
Shabana, who approached the match from a 4-0 humiliation from Ulinzi Stars and the confusion that followed Okoth's declaration that he had stepped down from his role, had to see off the match ten men after defender Absalom Aduda was given his marching orders in the 79th minute for pulling Gor attacker Christopher Ochieng after a melee between the two players.
Speaking after the game, Okoth suggested that the Kisii-based club was robbed in what he termed a well-coordinated scheme among the match officials.
“My players played very well, they contained Gor Mahia and proved difficult to break down. We knew how Gor Mahia was playing and tactically my players matched them toe to toe until the time the referee started to flash yellow cards and we noticed his intentions were not good. After the red card, they got the chance to score,” said Okoth.
The former Vihiga United gaffer segments were echoed by the club secretary general Elizaphan Kerama who maintained that the team’s victory against K’Ogallo was denied and that Tore Bobe did not suffer defeat.
"Turning our attention to the match's outcome, we maintain a firm belief that we did not suffer a defeat; instead, victory was unjustly denied to us. This conviction is supported by the conspicuous lack of professionalism and questionable coordination among the match officials, both on and off the pitch, which undeniably influenced the match's result," reads part of the statement from club SG Kerama sent to media houses.
"The unwarranted issuance of multiple yellow cards to our team has raised significant concerns. For example, the yellow card given to our defender, Silas Shihemi, during a routine throw-in, raises questions. Additionally, the communication between the fourth referee and the central referee, resulting in an unjust red card for Absalom Aduda, continues to raise doubts,” noted the club boss.
Kerama was also quick to condemn a section of fans who exacerbated violence during the highly-tensed match at Kasarani Stadium that resulted in injuries for Shabana faithfuls noting that one of the club's supporters is currently admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
"Regrettably, we faced a series of unfortunate incidents, both on and off the pitch. Among these, the outbreak of hooliganism at Kasarani Stadium stands out, resulting in injuries to some of our devoted fans. Such behavior contradicts the principles of modern sportsmanship. It is evident that this unfortunate act was exacerbated by a group of Gor Mahia supporters immediately after the first half. We are deeply concerned about one of our supporters who is currently admitted in the ICU, to all involved ,our thoughts and prayers are with them for a swift recovery."
The defeat left Shabana drooping second from the bottom of the 18-team table with seven points from nine matches. They have only managed one win, drawn four, and lost four.
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