Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda National Police have confirmed the arrest of Venuste Akimana, a steward who was seen kickingf a fan during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Police FC.
The incident took place when fans joined Rayon Sports players to the pitch at Kigali Pele Stadium to celebrate the victory after the final whistle.
One of the fans (name withheld) was chased by the security officer and, despite attempt to jump the pitch panel and avoid to fall, he lost control and eventually fell on the floor before other security agents rushed to check on him.
Rayon Sports fan falls down following a steward’s kick at the Kigali Pele Stadium. Courtesy
The steward in question works for Tiger Gates, a local security service company certified to do security service at stadiums for the past three years.
His arrest came hours after of the incident circulated on social media with many condemning him for violent conduct.
“A security guard who was seen chasing a young supporter during a match between Police FC and Rayon Sports at Kigali Pele Stadium, making him to fall down has been arrested to be prosecuted for his wrongful actions,” a post by RNP on X indicated.
They lack professionalism
The incident left Rayon Sports supporters and football fans shocked, criticizing the stewards for lack of professionalism in their security services at stadiums.
“There is obviously lack of professionalism among the stewards and it puts the fans at risk. It’s true that the heads of these security companies attended professional training on safety at the stadium, but the training gap is still big among the stewards they hire. Something must be done,” Rayon Sports fans clubs’ president Claude Muhawenimana told Times Sport.
Muhawenimana said they are looking for the fan’s whereabouts to check on his current health after the incident.
He left the stadium looking health but that was the last time we saw him. We are trying to find him and make sure is in good health condition,” he said.
Steward’s boss shows remorse
Akimana’s boss Claude Gatete was at the stadium when the incident took place.
Gatete admitted that Tiger Gates takes full responsibility and extended his apology to the offended supporter and football fans at large as well as their partners.
“We have been doing all we can to reach the fan so we can apologise to him but we haven’t found him yet. The mistake happened but it wasn’t intentional,” Gatete told Times Sport.
“We apologise to the football fraternity and our partners for what happened and we promise that we will keep striving for fans safety at stadium,” he added.
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