KPL Head of Technical Services, Safety and Security GMT Ottieno: Gor fans squarely to blame for loss of KPL title

Head of security at KPL GMT Otieno (in white cap) is restrained from violence by stewards after the match between Gor Mahia and Muhoroni Youth FC ended prematurely at Nyayo national stadium on Sunday, Oct 16, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Kenyan Premier League Head of Technical Services, Safety and Security GMT Ottieno insists Gor Mahia fans are fully to blame for the club’s failure to win a fourth consecutive league title.

In an end of the season statement, Ottieno said he hopes the fans have learnt their lesson and will let the office deal with any complaints against referees next time.

He warned that unless the fans change, the club may face worse sanctions in future.

“Let Gor Mahia fans know that what excites and make them go dancing into frenzy is when their favourite team wins and pockets three points.

“That Gor Mahia lost the Championship because of the docking of the points due to supporters and fans hooliganism is a bitter pill to swallow but a big lesson to know that when they invade the field and cause mayhem there will be consequences.

“Even the points their club has amassed from other teams can go, then they will learn to restrain and behave themselves and leave the office to take up any complaints through the laid down judicial procedure if aggrieved with the outcome of the match,” he said.

Gor Mahia were docked three points after their fans invaded the pitch during their first leg match against Tusker which the brewers won.

“Gor Mahia what would have been, a fourth unprecedented consecutive Championship,” he said.

He also pointed out that Tusker deserved to win the 2016 title after putting up a consistent performance throughout the season.

“I want to congratulate Tusker for re-claiming the Championship after a three-year wait. Tusker were the most consistent side on the field and deserved the Championship despite the controversy that rocked their match against Gor Mahia.”

Ottieno also praised match officials who handled the league and called on them to up their game next season.

“They may not have pleased everyone as they executed their duties in the field of play. No match official will ever be appreciated 100% no matter how impartial he/she may be.

“Referees may have been victims of human error and for this we urge them take such short comings as a lesson lesson for correction in the new season,” he said.