Freetown, Sierra Leone – May 4, 2026 – East End Lions Football Club has issued a scathing condemnation of what it describes as violent and unsporting behaviour by officials, players, supporters, and hired individuals linked to Star Sports Academy during their Orange FA Cup 2026 Quarter-Final clash.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the club revealed that the match, played on Sunday, 3rd May 2026 at the SLFA Academy Field in Freetown, was abandoned in the 86th minute with East End Lions leading 2-1.
According to the club, the fixture, which had been competitive but sporting up to that point, was disrupted by a series of aggressive actions allegedly instigated by Star Sports Academy’s Chief Executive Officer, officials, and associated groups.
East End Lions stated that it possesses compelling video and photographic evidence, corroborated by independent observers, showing acts of aggression, intimidation, and a complete breakdown of sporting discipline.
The statement highlighted that some Star Sports Academy supporters and sympathizers, supported by officials, allegedly threw stones and inflicted bodily harm on East End Lions players, officials, and spectators.
“The deliberate targeting of spectators is wholly unacceptable and has no place in football or any civil sporting environment,” the club declared. “The involvement of hired individuals to perpetrate violence further aggravates the gravity of the incident and raises critical concerns about premeditation.”
In a separate statement, East End Lions welcomed the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA)’s prompt announcement that a thorough investigation is underway. The club called on the SLFA to:
– Complete the investigation swiftly, transparently, and impartially.
– Hold all individuals and entities found culpable fully accountable.
– Impose the strongest appropriate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with competition rules and the Association’s statutes.
– Take decisive steps to prevent such disgraceful incidents from recurring in future matches.
The club expressed solidarity with its supporters who suffered harm and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the game, fair play, and the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Management emphasized that the club acted responsibly to calm its own supporters and prevent further escalation despite extreme provocation
“East End Lions FC views this incident as an attack not only on our club but also on the wider game of football in Sierra Leone,” the statement read. The club pledged full cooperation with the SLFA and all relevant authorities while reassuring its fans that acts of intimidation will not deter the team from continuing to represent its values with passion and integrity.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Orange FA Cup competition and raised fresh concerns about safety and professionalism in Sierra Leonean football.
