Kenya: referee assaulted after disputed decision

The playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United was interrupted after referee John Sulwe was assaulted

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Kenya: referee assaulted after disputed decision

06.10.26 ABD Premier League Kenya

Kariobangi Sharks

Mombasa United

Supporters invaded the pitch and assaulted referee John Sulwe after a penalty was awarded to Mombasa United in Kenya.

Scenes of chaos marred the promotion-relegation playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United on Tuesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. Referee John Sulwe was violently confronted by several supporters after a decision that sparked anger among the home side.

At the time of the incident, Kariobangi Sharks were leading 2-1. Mombasa United had taken the lead through Jamal “Messi” before Patila Omoto and then Douglas Omanga turned the match around. The aggregate score over the two legs was then 3-3, as Mombasa United had won the first leg 2-1.

A penalty that triggers a pitch invasion

Shortly after the hour mark, Sulwe awarded a penalty to Mombasa United after deeming that a player had been held in the box. The decision prompted strong protests before supporters invaded the pitch and directly confronted the referee.

Au Kenya 🇰🇪, John Sulwe, arbitre du match entre Mombasa United et Kariobangi Sharks, a été violemment pris à partie par des supporters mécontents de l’une de ses décisions. QUELLE HONTE !!!! 🤬🤬🤬 (@MickyJnr__) https://t.co/e98YsMRDgB
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) October 7, 2026

Security personnel had to intervene to protect the official, and the match was eventually abandoned around the 65th minute. The Kenyan federation must now rule on the sporting consequences of these incidents.

This playoff was due to determine the final team to compete in the Kenyan Premier League for the 2026-2027 season. The final outcome now depends on the decision of the authorities.