Fans attack teacher referee as Sharks-Mombasa United play-off collapses

John Sulwe, a teacher at Oyani Primary School in Uriri, Migori County, was the centre referee for the crucial return-leg clash between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United. The match was abandoned in the 66th minute after Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty following a challenge inside the Sharks penalty area.

Sharks players immediately protested the decision before turning their anger on the referee. The situation escalated when supporters invaded the pitch, with Sulwe reportedly assaulted and chased around the playing surface before security personnel intervened and escorted him to safety.

At the time the match was stopped, Kariobangi Sharks were leading 2-1. Mombasa United had won the first leg 2-1 at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa, meaning the return fixture was crucial in determining which side would secure a place in the FKF Premier League.

United took an early lead through Christian Lubulu in the sixth minute before Sharks equalised through Patillah Omoto in the 28th minute. Douglas Omanga then put Sharks ahead in the 45th minute, converting a cross from Omoto.

Sulwe's appointment had attracted attention before the match, with Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo questioning the FKF's decision to assign him and assistant referee Jane Cherono to the high-stakes fixture. Bolo called for transparency in officiating appointments, saying stakeholders needed confidence in the officials handling matches whose outcomes carry major consequences for clubs.

The FKF Disciplinary Committee is now expected to determine the fate of the abandoned fixture and the consequences of the violence.

For Sulwe, the incident has brought unusual attention to a teacher who combines his classroom duties at Oyani Primary School with football refereeing at the highest levels of the Kenyan game, highlighting the multiple professional responsibilities some teachers undertake outside the classroom.