Vipers bans SC Villa fans ahead of Uganda Cup semifinal clash; Jogoos retaliate

Azam Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC have banned notorious SC Villa fans from attending their semifinal clash on Friday evening in the Uganda Cup.

On Sunday, there was chaos at Wankulukuku stadium as the two teams faced each other in the first leg of their semifinal game in which stones were thrown at each other’s supporters.

Vipers coach Miguel Da Costa was later rushed to hospital after being hit by a stone in the game that saw police fire teargas to quell the angry supporters.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Vipers management banned 17 SC Villa fans with ‘immediate effect’ from showing up at the St.Mary’s stadium on Friday as both teams faceoff in the Uganda Cup.

“The under-listed persons have been involved in repeated acts of football violence, use of vulgar language, hooliganism and unsporting conduct on a number of football matches involving SC Villa and Vipers,” says in part the statement by Vipers.

“The Vipers Sports Club management is of the opinion that their continued presence is a danger to peace, social order and sporting integrity.”

Vipers’ management says they are committed to protecting the team’s integrity and its image plus that of their sponsors.

SC Villa retaliates

The record league champions SC Villa retaliated by rubbishing the communique by Vipers banning their fans from Kitende that they referred to as being reckless.

“The club hereby challenges you to avail us with your investigations report and when they were carried out and on whose instructions to come up with this very strong indictment against our club fans,” says in part the letter from SC Villa.

“Your malicious and reckless press release is injuring the reputation of the club and we formal request you to desist from this action.”

According to SC Villa management, the action by their counterparts from Kitende is intended to demonise their image, a thing they say will not be tolerated.

Last year, SC Villa were docked two points for violence and vandalising of St.Mary’s stadium during the first game between the two teams.