Two arrested in Football Stadium clash

Two people have been arrested in connection with the violence that was instigated by fans of Kuda Henveiru during the second division quarter-final match between Victory and Kuda Henveiru at Galolhu Stadium on Wednesday.

In the last 10 minutes of the match, a group of Kuda Henveiru fans tried to attack a foreign player belonging to Victory. The attack was sparked after the foreign player had committed a deliberate foul on a young Henveiru player during the match. Shocking scenes ensued as several supporters charged onto the field. 

A couple of policemen in the stadium tried to restrain the Kuda Henveiru fans. Victory coach and one of the key defenders who led Maldives to their first SAFF Championship in 2008, Sobah Mohammed, also tried to restrain some during the onslaught.

After the clash was over, Sobah was walking towards the Victory bench, he was hit in the face by a Kuda Henveiru fan. Sobah reportedly sustained some injuries to his mouth from this attack.

According to the Criminal Court order, the arrests made in the case:

They have been accused of assault, intimidation, threatening and acts prejudicial to public interest. Both have been remanded in police custody for 15 days.

Of the two, Rikz has a number of criminal records, according to the court order.

The match between Kuda Henveiru and Victory was stopped 10 minutes into the second half. Victory was 3-1 up.

Kuda Henveiru wanted the game to be called off where it was interrupted. The FAM's competition committee later announced that the match has been indeed ‘ended’ as per the request.