The Mashemeji, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were each deducted three points on Thursday after the clubs were found guilty by Independent Disciplinary and Complaints Committee (IDCC) of failing to control their fans during league matches earlier this season.
Officials from the two clubs disputed the ruling as they vowed to challenge it within the various sports conflict resolution bodies.
Gor’s incident occurred during a league match against Tusker at the Nyayo Stadium on April 16, when supporter stormed the pitch and assaulted a match official, in protest of a decision to award Tusker a penalty.
“All clubs participating in tournaments organized by the KPL must understand that the KPL does not condone any acts of hooliganism,” the IDCC statement read in part.
On the other hand, Leopards were charged for allowing their fans and stewards access the pitch, causing trouble and consequent abandonment of their match against Ulinzi Stars on April 23 in Mumias as their fans were protesting a call by the match referee to award Ulinzi a penalty late in the game.
“I read clean and clear mischief in this ruling. Our scenario is the same as what occurred during the match between Harambee Stars and Guinea Bissau. There was crowd trouble but the match was concluded and Caf never docked Kenya of any points. We shall appeal,” Gor’s Secretary General Ronald Ngala charged.
“They (KPL) are basing this ruling on an earlier threat from the FKF Chairman. We cannot work like this. There is nowhere we as the stakeholders of the game sat and passed such resolutions, we shall appeal,” Leopards co-chairman Dan Mule added.
The two rulings have been announced barely a month after Football Kenya Federation also announced tough measures meant to curb the rising cases of crowd trouble witnessed during league matches this season.
The chief sponsor of the two club, Sportpesa had partially withdrawn the sponsorship over hooliganism.