On Match Day 17 of the Ethiopian Premier League we witnessed two moments of fan violence. One of them led to a match being postponed while the other resulted in a video which is going viral across Social Media Platforms.
Welwalo A.U were leading Mekele Ketema 1-0 at half time in one of Thursday’s early kick off games. During the break a fight broke out between the two sets of fans leading to injury of many people.
The second half was set to take place on Friday morning but the security officials said that they won’t take responsibility for what could possibly happen on that day.
On the same day Woldia SC fans invaded the Mohammed Hussien Ali Al-Amoudi Stadium pitch during a home league game against Hawassa Ketema. The game ended in a one all draw. But a clear law of the game was violated.
These type of behaviours are not happening just now. This season we have seen plenty of violence in stadium grounds. There were troubles on the previous match-day as well.
Much has been said about keeping stadiums safe and having respect for each other, but matters just keep on getting worse as time passes by.
The indecisiveness of the Ethiopian Football Federation is playing a big role in the continued unsporting behavior. Rather than addressing the issues directly and taking firm measures the organization looks to be downplaying the seriousness of the matter.
Stadiums are no longer safe. Whenever you go to watch a football game you will be forced to look over your shoulder. You can’t help but wonder if any goal or refereeing decision would lead to a full on outburst. Elders can’t attend football matches, parents can’t take their children, and people who just want to simply enjoy a football game can no longer do so freely.
There is too much anger among fans these days. People are bringing their frustrations from other spheres of life and fully displacing them on to the football grounds. Football was supposed to be a peaceful sport, something that brings everyone together. It’s about entertainment not violence. It’s about unity and not hate. But what we are currently seeing is the exact opposite.
Before turning to the Football Federation let me forward a few questions to the clubs. Why are you not talking to your fans? Why are you not organizing a teaching session? Why is it hard to identify the trouble makers and put a stop to their outrageous behaviours?
And moving on to the governing body, which is still stuck in election drama, i am forced to wonder of what they are waiting for? How many violences does it take before the Federation makes a firm decison? Why is the Federation not talking to the clubs in order to put a stop to this madness? (And i’m not talking about those one or two meetings per year).
The Federation should not wait for devastating injuries or worse before undertaking a strong measure. It is time to consider playing games under closed stadiums, at least until things calm down. Postponing games and changing venues is clearly not working.
