Villa fan banned over hooliganism

FOOTBALL

FUFA competitions disciplinary panel has banned SC Villa fan James Lutaaya until the end of the season over hooliganism.

In a petition by URA received by the panel, it is alleged that Lutaaya and other fans got engaged in violent behaviour during a Premier League match between Villa and URA at the Arena of Visions.

The game was on January 7.

The petition says Lutaaya led a group of Villa fans, who physically attacked URA player Micheal Birungi Komunda and others.

Article 30 (8) of the FUFA Competitions Rules requires clubs in competition to be "responsible for order and security both inside and outside the stadium before, during and after matches".

Lutaaya has been banned from attending all Villa home and away matches for the remainder of the season.

In considering the decision, the disciplinary panel took into account the steps and actions that have been implemented by Villa, who took punutive action against their fan.

This is not the first time Lutaaya has been banned over hooliganism. In 2018, he was among the 12 Villa fans banned indefinitely from accessing St. Mary's Stadium, Kitende - the home of Vipers SC.

At the time, he was 'redcarded' for mal-behaviour during a first leg Uganda Cup tie between Villa and Vipers.

The game ended goalless, but saw Vipers' players and then-coach Miguel Da Costa reportedly stoned by fans.

Da Costa was taken for further treatment at Rubaga Hospital. He went on to recover.


KCCA fans warned

Meanwhile, KCCA FC fans have been warned by FUFA's disciplinary panel over hooliganism.

It was reported in the match officials' reports that after the match between URA and KCCA on January 31 at Arena of Visions, a group of KCCA fans became chaotic when they were barred from entering the stadium.

During the hearing, KCCA was represented by CEO Anisha Shahir Muhoozi while URA was represented by CEO Bridget Nakayenga.

Findings revealed there URA coach Sam Ssimbwa was attacked by the visiting fans when he reportedly celebrated in front of them.

KCCA, through its fans committee, is understood to have taken action against the fans who were involved in the incident.

The FUFA panel took into account KCCA's previous record and the situation leading up to the incident, and warned the defending champions against future incidents.

The Lugogo-based club was directed to prevail over its fans.