At least 14 individuals, including four police personnel who were safeguarding the Gok-Arol Kachuol football peace tournament, sustained injuries from thrown stones during clashes between the Cueibet Payam and Mayath teams.
What initially began as tensions in the semi-final qualification match between Mayath Payam of Joth section and Cueibet Payam of Ayiel section escalated into a broader sectional conflict in Cueibet County.
The clashes erupted when the Mayath Payam team seemed close to defeating the Cueibet Payam team during their semi-final match, leading to heightened tensions among fans. The situation escalated into a physical altercation on Sunday evening, resulting in 14 injuries, including police personnel. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
Lakes State Police Spokesperson, Major Elijah Mabor Makuac told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the clashes erupted on Sunday during inter-payam football matches held within the town. Subsequently, a group became agitated after facing defeat in a football match, leading to the escalation of the conflict.
“Around 4 or 5 PM, a fierce confrontation involving the hurling of stones erupted, escalating into a sectional conflict between the Ayiel and Joth sections of the Gok community. However, the primary issue stemmed from disputes among football players representing different Payams,” he explained.
“The skirmish persisted for an hour, and when the police finally intervened, they became targets of the agitated group. Unfortunately, four police officers were stoned and injured in the process. As of now, the situation has been brought under control, and the police are actively investigating and pursuing suspects to ensure a thorough inquiry,” he stated.
“Our law enforcement personnel are still in the process of locating and apprehending the individuals involved, and investigations will proceed accordingly,” he added.
“Individuals with severe injuries are currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital, and those with minor injuries are also seeking medical attention. We are actively searching for others who were injured and may have fled or hidden. Our efforts are focused on locating them, bringing them to the hospital, and ensuring their participation in the ongoing investigation,” he explained.
Major Makuac clarified that while the fans involved in the altercation may have had support from their community members, the primary instigators of the issues were the football fans associated with the players.
He emphasized, “In truth, the core problem lies with the fans of the players. My message regarding this issue is that when there’s a football match, it should symbolize unity among the people in Unity State.”
He emphasized, “Football promotes peaceful coexistence and builds trust within the community, emphasizing that the essence of football lies not only in the victory of a team but in the shared experience of competition.”
Major Makuac highlighted that in football, there are winners and losers, and it is crucial not to resort to violence. “Accepting defeat is part of the game. After a loss, you regroup, prepare, and strive to win on another day. Engaging in fights is completely condemned and unacceptable. Those who initiated this fight are in the wrong. Such behaviour must be avoided. If any issues arise in the future related to sports, people must respect the rules and norms of the sport, refraining from resorting to violence,” he explained.
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