Tensions boiled over after Gor Mahia FC were held in a heated and controversial encounter against Bandari FC, with the club’s vice chair launching a scathing attack on officiating standards in the SportPesa Premier League.
Speaking after the match, the Gor Mahia Vice Chair Sally Bolo did not mince her words, describing the refereeing decisions as damaging not only to the club but to the integrity of the entire league.
“The kind of officiating going on in the SportPesa Premier League is doing terrible damage to the brand. Matches should be decided on sporting merit, not what appears to be other considerations.”
The controversy centers on a dramatic late-game moment when the referee pointed to the spot after what appeared to be a clear foul inside the box. However, in a shocking twist, the decision was overturned moments later, despite the absence of VAR, reportedly after consultation with the fourth official.
“What transpired today is despicable. How can a referee award a penalty, being less than two meters from the incident, then reverse it without VAR? It raises serious questions,” the vice chair added.
The decision sparked outrage among players, technical staff, and supporters, with many arguing that such inconsistencies undermine confidence in match officials and the competition itself.
This incident adds to growing concerns over refereeing standards in Kenyan football, with calls now intensifying for greater accountability, transparency, and possible introduction of technological support systems to assist match officials.
For Gor Mahia, the result leaves a bitter tasten feeling not just denied a crucial penalty, but potentially robbed of a decisive moment that could have changed the outcome of the match.
As debates rage on across the football community, one thing is clear: the spotlight is now firmly on officiating in the Kenyan top flight.
