Mogadishu City Football Club has issued a formal apology to Kenya following a disturbing video showing a pair of supporters desecrating the Kenyan national flag.
In their statement, the club's agency condemned the actions, as they distanced themselves from the two fans implicated in the controversy.
"On behalf of the Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya. Such behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents," the statement obtained by Kenyans.co.ke read.
"We fully support any appropriate action by the Kenyan authorities against those involved, and we urge our fans, especially the younger generation, to always respect all nations, their flags, and their people."
On September 20, Kenyan fans were up in arms after a video went viral showing two fans kicking and trampling on a Kenyan flag after the CAF Champions League first-leg clash between Mogadishu City FC and Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium.
In another video, another Mogadishu fan wearing a traditional Somali wrap can be seen walking up to a Kenya Police FC fan, grabbing his Kenya flag and tossing it to the ground.
Predictably, the two incidents sparked outrage among football fans and Kenyans in general, with scores calling for action against the two fans and possibly the Mogadishu FC Club.
But, in the statement, the Somali-based club also joined in the condemnation of the two fans, reiterating that football was a game built on mutual respect.
"Football is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect, and we call on all supporters to uphold these values and promote peace and harmony in our communities," the statement went on.
As far as the game on Saturday is concerned, Kenya Police proved too strong for their opponents, as the FKF Premier League champions emerged 3-1 winners.
The fixture is subject to a second leg, which will also take place in Kenya, with Kenya Police set to face Sudan club Al Hilal SC if they advance to the next round.
What The Law Says About Disrespecting the Kenyan Flag
As far as the law goes, there are several prohibited actions with Kenyan flags. For one, citizens are not allowed to fly flags on their motor vehicles as this is only reserved for high-ranked officials such as the President, his Deputy, Cabinet Secretary, Chief Justice , Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate.
Disrespectfully displaying a flag by flying it upside down, allowing it to touch the ground, or flying it when torn, faded or dirty is also prohibited.
