Makerere loses appeal over hooliganism in University Football League

Makerere University has lost their appeal after being suspended from the University Football League over hooliganism.

The University Football League disciplinary early this week suspended Makerere over violence that led to abandonment of their game with Busitema University.

The Appeals Committee has however upheld the decision to have the country’s oldest university suspended from the University Football League for the remaining part of the season. Makerere had prior to the suspension qualified for the knockout stages of the University Football League after topping group A.

In their appeal, Makerere argued that their players had not involved in the fracas perpetuated by their fans before the kickoff of the game with Busitema. However according to the Appeals Committee of the University Football League, fans are an integral part of the team and their actions can lead to the sanction of the team as per international and local football practice.

Consequently, Gulu has been given a walkover into the semifinals of the university’s football competition.

This is not the first time Makerere university students are involved in violence during the University Football League. Last year, it took the intervention of Uganda Prisons officers who flogged Makerere University supporters who had caused chaos at Luzira during a University Football League game with Kyambogo.