FC Kallon, East End Lions Supporters Take The Lead in Ending Violence in Football Matches
Aaron Parker On Sunday, April 23rd, 2023, during the return-leg match of Sierra Leone’s top-tier league between FC Kallon and East End Lions FC at the Trade Centre field in Freetown, the supporters of both clubs took the lead to put an end to pitch invasion and violent attacks in Sierra Leonean football.
Despite the increasing intensity of the fixture in every meeting, the fans of both clubs maintained a cordial relationship, making it a fun-filled event. It was the first fixture to require Sierra Leoneans to pay NLe 20k to watch their local clubs.
Before the match, the fans of both clubs displayed unique sportsmanlike behavior by playing drums, singing, and dancing together.
The Chairman of the FC Kallon Fan Club, Ibrahim Kanu, expressed the relevance of such an initiative, stating that the game is played for the excitement and pleasure of the fans, and they should enjoy it without being hostile and desperate to win at all costs.
He also urged other clubs to emulate the initiative and refrain from making the atmosphere of games unpleasant.
Abdul Karim Sillah, the Chairman of the East End Lions Fan Club, agreed, emphasizing that football is not a war or a tool for division, and fans of all participating teams should promote peace and unity.
Despite FC Kallon’s defeat by East End Lions FC in the match, the fans’ initiative to promote peace and unity in Sierra Leonean football was a major victory.