Mogadishu
City Club has issued an apology after some of its supporters were seen kicking
the Kenyan flag.
The actions
took place during their CAF Champions League first-leg clash against Kenya
Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium on September 20.
The
incident sparked outrage in Kenya, with many calling for stern action against
those involved.
In a
statement, the Somali club distanced itself from the behaviour, condemning it
as unacceptable.
“On behalf
of the Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest
apologies to the government and people of Kenya,” the Club said.
“Such
behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and
sportsmanship that this competition represents.”
The Club
offered full support for any appropriate action by the Kenyan authorities
against those involved.
It urged its
fans, especially the younger generation, “to always respect all nations, their
flags and their people”.
“Football
is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect, and we call on all supporters to
uphold these values and promote peace and harmony in our communities,” the Club
stated.
On
September 20, a video went viral showing two Mogadishu City FC supporters
kicking and trampling on the Kenyan flag.
In a
separate clip, another fan wearing a traditional Somali wrap is seen
approaching a Kenya Police FC supporter, snatching away a Kenyan flag and
throwing it to the ground.
Kenya’s National
Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) provides legal protection for the
national flag against acts of disrespect.
The law, however, makes it an offence to demean or misuse the flag or other state emblems.
Anyone
found guilty can face a fine of up to Sh5,000, a jail term of six months, or
both.
In the match,
Kenya Police scored three goals through Eric Zakayo, Edward Omondi and David
Simiyu to seal a 3–1 victory.
Mogadishu City FC and Kenya Police FC are set to clash again this Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in the return leg, with focus now expected to be as much on fan behaviour as on events on the pitch.
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