Lawlessness on the Rise in Liberia National League

Monrovia – The 2024/2025 season of the Liberian Football Association (LFA) league has been marred by a troubling surge in violence and disorder, involving players, fans, and officials. This escalating trend has cast a shadow over the nation’s most popular sport.

One of the latest incidents occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Tusa Field, where a female fan physically assaulted well-known football supporter Elijah Fahn. Shockingly, despite the presence of security personnel, the attacker was allowed to leave the scene without facing any consequences. This has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of security measures at LFA matches.

Throughout this season, altercations have erupted both on and off the field, escalating tensions among all stakeholders. The lack of effective security and the impunity with which these acts of violence are committed have sparked widespread criticism of the LFA’s leadership and governance.

A particularly violent clash on December 14, 2024, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Practice Pitch left Paynesville FC medic Alvin Gono and FC Fassell Deputy Coach Matthew Julutweh seriously injured. The incident reportedly stemmed from an altercation in which Gono allegedly splashed water on FC Fassell President and CEO Cassell Anthony Kuoh during celebrations of an equalizer in a match that ended in a 1-1 draw.

In retaliation, suspected FC Fassell supporters targeted Gono, leading to a brawl that left both Gono and Julutweh with serious injuries.

Earlier this month, the LFA handed down fines and suspensions following an investigation into a post-match brawl between LISCR and Discoveries SA at Tusa Field. Players Elijah Kumeh and Christopher Jackson received six-month suspensions for their involvement, while both clubs were fined L$100,000 each for fan misconduct, including throwing objects onto the pitch.

The recent incident involving Elijah Fahn and an unnamed female spectator has further fueled calls for urgent reforms. Fans are demanding that the LFA take decisive steps to restore order and ensure the safety of everyone involved in the league.

The football community is calling on the LFA to address these issues decisively and protect the integrity of Liberian football.

“It is crucial that justice is applied impartially and that strict measures are enforced to prevent future occurrences of violence,” many fans posted on Facebook.

They added: “The growing trend of violence cannot be downplayed or ignored. Immediate and effective action is needed to preserve the beauty and enjoyment of the game. The LFA must take responsibility and lead the way in fostering a safe and respectful football environment.”