Mogadishu City Club apologises over desecration of Kenyan flag, backs action against those involved
The two sides are set to meet again in the return leg this Sunday, also at Nyayo National Stadium, with all eyes now on both the pitch and the terraces.
Mogadishu City Club has condemned the desecration of the Kenyan flag by some of its supporters and backed any appropriate measures taken by Kenyan authorities against those involved.
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In a statement, Mogadishu City Club emphasised that such actions have no place in football or the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that the CAF Champions League stands for.
“During the CAF Champions League first-leg match 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. On behalf of the 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," the statement read in part.
The club urged all fans, especially younger supporters, to respect all nations, their flags, and their people. It highlighted that football should promote unity, love and mutual respect.
"We fully support any appropriate action by the Kenyan authorities against those involved, and we urge our 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,” stated Mogadishu City Club.
The strongly-worded statement follows footage showing some Mogadishu City Club fans disrespecting the Kenyan flag by laying it on the ground, stepping on it, and kicking it after the club’s 3-1 loss to Kenya Police FC at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, 20 September.
The first-leg match attracted passionate supporters from both sides. Kenya Police secured the victory with three goals by Eric Zakayo, Edward Omondi, and David Simiyu.
However, celebrations by the home side provoked a backlash from some Mogadishu City Club fans, who desecrated the Kenyan flag in a shocking display of discontent. Videos of the incident quickly circulated online, sparking outrage across Kenya.
Despite the club’s successful promotional campaign, rallying strong support from the Somali community in Kenya, the incident turned a moment of neighbourly cohesion into a diplomatic setback.
Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) protects the flag from disrespect. While the Constitution recognises it as a national symbol, it does not explicitly criminalise acts such as stepping on it.
However, Cap. 99 makes it illegal to insult or abuse the flag or other national emblems, with offenders liable to a fine of up to Sh5,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
The two sides are set to meet again in the return leg on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium, with attention focused both on the pitch and the terraces.
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