NSL: Did club officials instigate referee assault after Kibera Black Stars clash?

An ugly incident marred Saturday’s National Super League (NSL) clash between Kibera Black Stars and 3K FC at Gems Cambridge after match officials were allegedly assaulted moments after full time.

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3K emerged as the 2-1 winner in the heated contest thanks to a brace from Javan Njue that handed the Embu-based side a crucial victory in the promotion race.

However, scenes turned chaotic immediately after the final whistle as center referee Joshua Mithika and his officiating team reportedly came under attack from sections of individuals at the venue.

Mozzart Sport has independently followed events before and after the match to establish what may have triggered the violence in one of the most frequently used venues in the second tier this season.

Investigations indicate tensions had already built up before kick-off, with Kibera Black Stars allegedly approaching the fixture under protest amid suspicions and complaints surrounding possible match manipulation.

Mozzart Sport has further established that during the mandatory pre-match meeting held at 10 am ahead of the 3 pm kickoff, center referee Mithika and first assistant referee George Kariuki were absent.

Sources close to the match also claimed there were several controversial decisions during the encounter, including a denied penalty appeal for 3K and a disallowed Black Stars goal, incidents believed to have escalated frustrations on both sides.

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Away from the on-field controversy, Mozzart Sport has also obtained information suggesting certain individuals linked to Kibera Black Stars management may have been involved in the chaos that followed.

A 43-second amateur video circulating on social media appears to show an individual dressed in the club’s special anniversary kit running towards the referee and striking him from behind using what looks like a tree branch or stick.

The same individual is then seen chasing after the referee as he attempted to flee to safety before being restrained by another person believed to be part of the playing unit.

Mozzart Sport’s review of the footage placed Black Stars treasurer Wycliffe Ouma at the center of the incident, although no official disciplinary findings have yet been made.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Kibera Black Stars CEO Eugene Otieno distanced the club’s office from the violence and instead insisted that club officials were attempting to rescue the referees.

“The officials rushed to help the referees, and we went with police officers to help, but the referee dodged the officers. Even the officers arrested someone. If you look closely at the video, the whole office and technical bench went to help the referee,” Otieno told Mozzart Sport.

The youthful administrator further denied claims that members of the club office attacked the officials, insisting they used their bodies as shields while trying to restore order.

“There was a point where we had to use our bodies as shields together with our data team member to protect the referee, but in the process, some of us were also bitten. If anyone alleges that the office attacked the referee, then they must explain that because we are also waiting for the tribunal process,” he added.

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Otieno, however, condemned any form of alleged match manipulation, saying such claims continue to fuel unrest in football.

“I cannot speak officially on behalf of the club, but personally, I believe match manipulation has no place in football. It is what is driving fans to become barbaric. We are not encouraging violence, but people also feel they are being robbed,” he said.

Match commissioner Bransan Mamati confirmed to Mozzart Sport that all members of the refereeing team were assaulted during the chaos.

“We were beaten. What happened was very unfortunate and tricky. Everyone was attacked, even me, although mine was minor,” Mamati revealed.

Mamati further disclosed that the referee suffered a deep cut to the head and lost several valuables and match equipment during the incident.

“We had to take an Uber to town after the incident. He received first aid because he had a cut on the head and needed further medical attention. This morning, I wanted to confirm whether the bleeding had stopped because he had only been wrapped with a bandage at the venue,” he explained.

“They stole communication gadgets because they believed that was how referees communicate during matches. Whistles, cards, and watches were all taken. The center referee remained with nothing while the assistant referees also lost their flags and other equipment.”

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The referee remained unreachable by phone by the time of publishing this report.

Meanwhile, Kibera Black Stars have since released an official statement condemning hooliganism and violence while, at the same time, raising concerns over what they termed suspicious and biased officiating during the match.