An incident involving a football match has led to a major international apology, reminding everyone of the importance of sportsmanship.
A viral video showing supporters of Mogadishu City Club disrespecting the Kenyan flag at Nyayo Stadium has prompted a formal apology from the Somali football club.
The incident, which took place during a match last weekend, sparked outrage across social media and among Kenyans.
The club quickly issued a statement, condemning the actions of its fans and seeking to repair the damage.
In their official statement, Mogadishu City Club did not mince words. They expressed deep regret for the behaviour and immediately distanced themselves from the individuals involved.
The club’s leadership was clear that such actions do not represent their values or the spirit of the game.
“On behalf of 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 club’s apology went beyond just saying sorry. It was a firm call for respect and unity, especially among the younger generation of fans. They emphasised that football should be a tool for bringing people together, not for creating division.
The club urged Kenyan authorities to take “appropriate action” against those who committed the act.
They called on their own fans, especially the “Gen-Z” generation, to “always respect all nations, their flags and their people.”
The statement ended with a plea for the sport to be used to build bridges, not burn them.
The incident occurred during a CAF Champions League match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC. The match was played in Nairobi because Mogadishu City Club does not have a CAF approved stadium in Somalia.
The game itself saw Kenya Police FC secure a 3-1 victory. However, the win was overshadowed by the post-match incident, which quickly became a topic of national discussion in Kenya.
Written by Erastus Odhiambo, TV47
