Mogadishu City Club has strongly condemned the conduct of its supporters who were captured on video stepping on the Kenyan national flag during Saturday’s CAF Champions League first-leg match against Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium.
In an official statement, the Somali champions expressed deep regret over the incident and called on Kenyan authorities to take appropriate action against the two individuals involved, who have since been identified as residents in Kenya.
The video, which went viral online, sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans, with many demanding firm disciplinary measures against the perpetrators.
Due to the absence of a CAF-approved stadium in Somalia, Mogadishu City Club hosted the match in Nairobi. In response to growing public concern, the club issued a statement denouncing the actions seen in the video.
“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 offered a formal apology to both the Government and people of Kenya, emphasising that the act goes against the principles of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
“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.”
Mogadishu City Club further stated its full support for any disciplinary measures the Kenyan authorities may take against the individuals involved. The club also urged its fans, especially the youth, to demonstrate respect for all national symbols and cultures.
Statement from Mogadishu City Club.
“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 two sides are scheduled to meet again in the return leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round this Sunday, also at Nyayo Stadium.
