Gor Mahia chair Rachier appeals to fans as court suspends sanctions

This comes after Sports Dispute Tribunal on Monday, issued orders temporarily suspending sanctions imposed on the club by Football Kenya Federation's Competitions Committee following violence that erupted after the league match against Murang'a Seal  at Kasarani Stadium.  

Gor Mahia were slapped with KSh.500,000 fine and ordered to play five home matches without fans, a moved that made the club to appeal the decision at Sports Dispute Tribunal.

To the club's relief, the court suspended the sanctions pending mention of the matter set for December 13, 2023 - a decision that allows fans to attend all Gor Mahia matches until the case is determined. 

"The 1st and 2nd respondents are hereby restrained from imposing the sanctions contained in the 2nd Respondents letter dated 16th November, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the application," stated part of the order issued by Sports Dispute Tribunal.

With the temporarily relief, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has called on fans to calm during matches even if they don't agree with decisions made by match referees.

"With the orders, we expect to appear in court on December 13, 2023 for a mention and in the meantime, the sanctions remain suspended and that means, fans can attend our matches until the matter matter is determined," 

"Acts of violence or hooliganism are not the intention of the club... we appeal to all our fans while attending matches to exercise restrain even if they do not accept the decision of the referees or match officials," chairman Rachier told Citizen Digital. 

Gor Mahia are perched at the summit of the league standing with 27 points, two ahead of Posta Rangers and the defending champions will be playing host to Nzoia Sugar at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Saturday.