Kenyan referee attacked by supporters after controversial penalty decision

Yesterday 10:25

A football match in Nairobi descended into violence after referee John Sulwe was chased and assaulted by supporters following a penalty decision that could have dramatically altered the outcome of a promotion playoff.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where Kariobangi Sharks faced Mombasa United in a decisive encounter linked to promotion to Kenya’s top flight.

With Kariobangi Sharks leading 2-1, Sulwe awarded a penalty to Mombasa United. The decision immediately triggered protests from the Sharks players, who surrounded the referee before pushing him.

The situation quickly spiralled beyond the pitch. As spectators poured into the stadium area, Sulwe attempted to escape under the protection of security personnel. Footage circulated on social media shows the referee, wearing a red shirt, running while being pursued by a large group of supporters.

Several people appear to strike him in the face during the chase, while a plastic seat thrown in his direction narrowly misses his head.

Match abandoned after referee evacuation

The penalty had significant consequences for both sides. Mombasa United, based in Kenya’s second-largest city, had already won the first leg 2-1. Converting the spot-kick in Nairobi would therefore have put the visitors in a strong position in their bid to secure promotion.

The penalty was never taken.

After the violence erupted, the match was brought to an end in the 68th minute. Sulwe was escorted away from the field as officials attempted to restore order inside the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

The confrontation has once again highlighted the risks faced by football officials when contentious decisions provoke intense reactions from players and spectators.

A serious security concern for Kenyan football

The assault has raised fresh concerns over crowd control and the protection of referees during high-stakes matches in Kenya. Referees are responsible for making decisions under considerable pressure, but incidents in which officials are physically targeted can threaten both their safety and the integrity of competitions.

The images of Sulwe being pursued through the stadium underline the speed with which a disputed decision can turn into a major security incident when spectators enter restricted areas.

Authorities and football officials will now face pressure to establish what led to the pitch invasion and determine whether disciplinary measures should follow.

For Mombasa United and Kariobangi Sharks, the sporting consequences remain overshadowed by the violence that prematurely ended a match carrying major promotion implications.