Gor has no capacity to punish errant fans

By Gilbert Wandera

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has admitted that the club is finding it difficult to take action against identified hooligans.

Rachier spoke even as SuperSport confirmed that Sunday derby against AFC Leopards would be aired live.

The Gor Mahia chairman said even though the club has identified 25 hooligans they lack the capacity to punish them.

"We have held several meetings, including one with the Sports Stadia Management Board regarding the fate of the identified hooligans, but I must admit we have no capacity to take action against them.

"The fans are still coming to the stadium and we want to involve the police so that once they are identified action can be taken against them.

"Our goal is that anyone who causes violence at our matches is made to pay for it as an individual," he said.

Rachier assured fans that the Sunday match would be safe for them as the club has taken action to ensure that no violence erupts.

"We have learnt our lesson from what happened in the past and we are grateful that SuperSport has accepted to brings us back on air. We want to assure them that nothing of the sort will happen again," said the Gor chairman.

Multi-Choice General Manager Stephen Isaboke said the decision to return Gor on air came following assurances from the club that past violence will not be repeated.

"We have held meetings with several Gor stakeholders and they assured us that what happened is a thing of the past and that is why we have brought them back on air.

"Gor and Leopards are very important for Kenyan football and without them there would be no interest in local football.

"We are glad to partner with them to promote the sport and will continue to support their efforts," he added.

Speaking at the same function, Leopards chairman Alex ole Magelo expressed confidence that his team would win on Sunday.

Magelo called on fans to avoid incidences of hooliganism.

"Our victory against Thika United last weekend was a wake-up call for the team," he said.