AFC Leopards have strongly condemned the violent acts of their supporters following the assault of head coach Tomas Trucha after the team’s recent FKF Premier League match against Ulinzi Stars at Kinoru Stadium on Sunday.

In a statement released, the club management addressed the incident issuing a stern warning to their fans. “To our fans, let this serve as a clear reminder, you are the heart of the club but with that honor comes responsibilities. If you have concern or grievances, we have well established channels where this can be addressed consecutively Hooliganism, violence and intimidation have no place in football and AFC leopards will not tolerate them under any circumstances.”

The club also assured that action was being taken against those responsible. “We have taken immediate action by reporting the matter to the authorities and several individuals involved in the incident have been identified. We will fully cooperate with law authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.”

Additionally, the statement outlined future measures to address fan indiscipline. “Just as we have taken disciplinary action against our players for misconduct in the past, we shall apply the same standard here. Any fan found guilty of participating in these acts of violences will face a ban from stadia and club activities.”

The assault comes just days after a similar incident involving Gor Mahia fans, who attacked their coach, Leonardo Neiva, after their team conceded a late goal to settle for a draw against Murang’a Seal at the Machakos Stadium.

This is not the first time AFC Leopards’ coaching staff have been targeted by fans. On December 3rd, 2020, Tomas Trucha resigned from his first stint at the club after only two months in charge, citing threats to his life and that of his agent. At the time, he had overseen just one match, a 2 – 1 victory over Tusker at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani. The club issued a statement at the time, confirming Trucha’s resignation, with the coach citing threats from individuals claiming to be Ingwe supporters. 

Fast forward to Sunday November 3rd, 2024. After the team’s 2 – 0 loss to Ulinzi Stars, a group of angry supporters stormed the pitch, confronting Trucha and throwing objects at his direction and the coach had to be escorted off the field by security personnel.

With the loss, Leopards drop to fifth place in the FKF Premier League with 10 points from seven matches. The team has suffered three defeats, including two consecutive defeats. While fan frustration is understandable, violence against coaches is never a response to poor performances.

With the pressure mounting on Trucha, it remains to be seen whether he will resign once again or continue to fight through the adversity.