The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) and the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) board have strongly condemned acts of hooliganism by a section of APR FC supporters following Sunday’s goalless draw against Al Merrikh at Amahoro Stadium.
Tensions flared after APR FC were controversially denied a late winning goal when Dauda Yussif’s powerful long-range strike was ruled out for offside by the match officials. The decision sparked anger among players, technical staff, and fans.
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Following the match, some APR supporters protested outside FERWAFA headquarters, directing abusive language at the match officials in response to the refereeing decision.
In a joint statement, FERWAFA and RPL urged calm and restraint, emphasizing that disputes over refereeing decisions should be handled through proper channels.
"We remind the public that dissatisfaction with referees’ decisions should not be a cause for confrontation. All football stakeholders are urged to allow competent authorities to take appropriate action,” the statement reads in part.
The football bodies also stressed the importance of unity, adding: "As Rwandans, football should strengthen our unity and solidarity; it should never be a cause of conflict.”
The controversy arose late in the match when APR believed they had secured victory through Yussif’s strike, only for assistant referee Aristote Jabo to flag for offside. The decision visibly frustrated APR head coach Taleb Abderrahim, his players, and supporters, with fans chanting "This is too much” while directing their anger at the referees.
APR FC Honorary Chairman, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, confirmed that the club will file an official complaint regarding the disallowed goal. However, he also urged supporters to refrain from unsportsmanlike behavior aimed at referees.
"I would like to request and remind our fans not to fall into the trap of misbehaving or harassing referees. The management of APR FC will follow the proper procedures, but anyone who violates this should be punished,” Gen Muganga said.