Somali club releases statement after viral video of fan stepping on Kenyan flag at Nyayo Stadium

Mogadishu City Club has released a statement urging Kenyan authorities to take action against two young men filmed deliberately stepping on a Kenyan national flag during Saturday’s CAF Champions League first-leg clash against Kenya Police FC at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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The video, which quickly went viral, sparked outrage among Kenyans, with many demanding stern measures against the duo, who have since been identified as residents in Kenya.

The two, reportedly supporters of the Somali champions, were accused of showing disrespect to the flag, though their exact motive remains unclear.

The Somali league champions hosted the first-leg tie in Nairobi due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in their home country. Following growing public concern, the club broke its silence through an official statement condemning the act.

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“During the CAF Champions League first leg match held on 20 September between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC, an unfortunate incident occurred in which a few young fans were seen kicking the Kenyan national flag,” the statement read in part.

The club apologised to both the Kenyan government and its citizens, stressing that the behaviour goes against the spirit of sportsmanship.

“On behalf of Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya. Such behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents,” the statement continued.

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The club further affirmed its support for any disciplinary action taken against the individuals involved and cautioned fans, particularly the youth, to uphold respect at all times.

“We fully support any appropriate action by the Kenyan authorities against those involved, and we urge our fans—especially the younger generation—to always show respect for all nations, their symbols, and their people.

Football is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect, and we call on all supporters to uphold these values to keep our communities together in peace and harmony.”

The Nyayo Stadium fixture drew a sizable crowd, especially from Nairobi’s Somali community, following mobilisation efforts by community leaders. The two teams are set to face off again in the return leg on Sunday, also at Nyayo Stadium.