Express have been ordered by league authorities to play their next home game behind closed doors and were fined Ugx. 300,000 following their fans’ violence in the aftermath of Kirinya Jinja SS 1-1 draw.The communication was made by the Uganda Premier League secretariat on Monday October 10, 2016.
According to the communiqué to the club CEO, the Express fans attacked match officials at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku and beat up one of the assistant referees.
“This is to inform you that Referee’s Report for M #59 Express FC Vs Kirinya Jinja SSS FC that was played on Saturday 1st October 2016 at Wankulukuku Stadium indicates that at the end of the match, Express FC fans attacked match officials and beat up one of the assistant referees…” read the letter in parts.
“It is also reported that the said assistant referee lost his phones in the scuffle.”
In punishing the six-time league champions, UPL invoked article 33, 2(h) of the FUFA Competitions Rules to make Express FC play their next home game without spectators in addition to a fine of 300 UAs (Three hundred thousand shillings) payable to UPL Secretariat before their next league game.
A strong warning has been made to the management of Express to ensure no fan is allowed into the stadium on their next home game when they will host Bright Stars on October 22.
“Management of Express FC should ensure that no Spectators/fans are allowed in stadium for the next home fixture. Only match crew should be allowed to access the stadium. Security in and around the stadium should be ensured. The Secretariat will not hesitate to come out with more stringent measures should the club fail to comply with the directive.”
But before that, Express travel to Kavumba on Recreation Ground on Friday to take on struggling Police.