AFC Leopards threaten stern action against culprits involved in attack on Tomas Trucha at Kinoru Stadium

Ingwe have vowed strict action against fans involved in the recent attack on coach Tomas Trucha after their Ulinzi loss.

AFC Leopards have issued a strong warning following the chaotic scenes that erupted during their recent FKF Premier League match against Ulinzi Stars at Kinoru Stadium where fans invaded the pitch in protest.

The unrest, which followed a 2-0 defeat, led to an assault on head coach Tomas Trucha and members of the technical bench, a move that the club’s management has condemned in the “strongest terms possible.”

The club revealed on Tuesday that it has reported the incidents to the relevant authorities and is cooperating with law enforcement to identify and hold accountable those involved.

“On behalf of AFC Leopards Sports Club, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our loyal fans who traveled to Meru to support the team,” the club said in a statement.

“Your dedication is both recognized and deeply appreciated, and it’s for you that we continuously strive to build a stronger, more successful team.”

In an extensive statement, AFC Leopards emphasized the dedication and effort invested by the club’s management, technical bench, and players to prepare for each match.

“We want to remind everyone of the immense effort and commitment from our management team, the National Executive Council (NEC), the Technical Bench (TB), and the players in preparing for every match. Every training session, every tactical discussion, and every ounce of effort on the field is dedicated to achieving success, not defeat," it noted.

According to the club, tensions started to rise after Ulinzi Stars scored the first goal.

The atmosphere reportedly turned hostile, with officials targeted by insults from agitated fans.

Matters escalated after Ulinzi’s second goal, when Trucha was attacked and had to be quickly escorted out of the stadium.

“Regrettably, after Ulinzi scored their first goal, the atmosphere took an unfortunate and hostile turn. Officials became targets of insults, and most distressingly, after the second goal, our head coach Thomas Trucha was assaulted and had to be swiftly escorted out of Kinoru Stadium.

"This incident is unacceptable, and as AFC Leopards’ management, we condemn these unwarranted actions in the strongest terms possible.”

The club has warned fans that such behavior will not be tolerated, stressing that there are established channels for expressing grievances.

“To our fans, let this serve as a clear reminder: you are the heart of this club, but with that honor comes responsibilities,” the statement read.

“If you have concerns or grievances, we have well-established channels where these can be raised constructively. Hooliganism, violence, and intimidation have no place in football, and AFC Leopards will not tolerate them under any circumstances.”

AFC Leopards expressed concerns over the impact such behavior could have on its reputation and partnerships, highlighting the potential risk to relationships with sponsors and other stakeholders.

“Our brand, like AFC Leopards, and the brands of our esteemed partners are at risk if we allow such behavior to return to our midst. In fact, our partners are concerned with the turn of events.”

The club confirmed it has identified several individuals involved in the pitch invasion and ensuing violence, pledging full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure accountability.

“Furthermore, just as we have taken disciplinary action against players for misconduct in the past, we shall apply the same standard here. Any fan found guilty of participating in these acts of violence will face a BAN from stadia and Club’s activities," he noted.

AFC Leopards were without assistant captain Victor Omune, center-back Kennedy Owino and Julius Masaba during the match against Ulinzi as the trio served a two-week suspension for taking part in an unsanctioned match.