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FAN RIOT: Leopards coach claims referee has family ties with Gor player


AFC Leopards coach Ivan Minnaert has accused Football Kenya Federation chiefs of appointing a “partisan” referee to handle their league match against Ulinzi Stars on Saturday.

The match was abandoned after 78 minutes following prolonged incidents of crowd trouble at the Mumias Sports Complex grounds.

Sections of the crowd, including stewards affiliated to AFC Leopards, took to the pitch to protest the decision by match referee Andrew Juma to award Ulinzi Stars a second penalty in the game.

“I don’t know how the federation would allow this referee with a family bond to Gor Mahia player to officiate our match, especially because of the rivalry of both teams,” Minaert posed.

The Kenyan Premier League’s Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) on Tuesday awarded the match to Ulinzi Stars.

The committee has also instituted charges against AFC Leopards for the violent conduct of their fans.

Leopards shirt sponsors SportPesa also announced on Tuesday that they have temporarily severed ties with the popular football team in the wake of the violent scenes.

PHOTO | COURTESY
PHOTO | COURTESY

Meanwhile, Coach Minnaert has appreciated the love he is receiving from Leopards fans.

The former Rayon Sport coach has fast become a household name within the Ingwee faithful, particularly for improving the club’s fortunes on the pitch.

This work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with a Nairobi based club fan opting to brand his brand new matatu with the Minnaert’s picture.