Kataka Players Walk Off Pitch In Protest Of Kyetume Penalty

October 22, 2023
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Kataka FC’s FUFA Big League match against Kyetume FC was abandoned after the visitors walked off pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to the hosts.

The incident happened at Kyetume’s Nakisunga Ssaza Ground after an hour played and the game was still 0-0.

Kataka players walked off, and sat outside, by the field after referee Amon Ainebyona pointed to the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.

The referees’ judgement was that goalkeeper Solomon Okello fouled striker Bashir Wandawa as he tripped him with his hands in the box.

However, Kataka players insisted that there was no contact, and as such, they expected play to continue without any foul in the box being awarded to the hosts.

The Kataka players resolved to stay out for as long as the referee insisted on his ‘penalty’ decision.

Following a prolonged strike, the referee finally concluded by calling the game off with still over 25 minutes left on the clock to play for in the second half.

The League’s committee is yet to officially announce their decision as regards the outcome of the said match.

As per the FUFA rules, however, considering the circumstances under which the game was called off, the forfeiting team thereby loses the game 3-0.

When the two second division sides met last year on April 28, on the last matchday, in a promotion decider, it was all ugly and chaotic scenes as Kataka lost 2-3 to Kyetume FC to miss out on qualification to Uganda Premier League.

Kataka defender Noak Kizito was then banned for five months, as the team was ordered to play five home games behind closed doors on a neutral ground outside Bugisu Province over hooliganism.

The Mbale-based side was also deducted two points and two goals which was implemented upon commencement of the previously concluded (2022-23) season.

Kataka fought relegation for the most part of that season, as they started the campaign -2 points and a -2 goal difference while also hosting away from home.