Police Arrest 10 After Violence Erupts at Galolhu Football Stadium

Maldives Police Service (MPS) have apprehended 10 individuals in connection with the outbreak of violence during a second division quarter-final match between Victory Sports Club and Kuda Henveiru United at Galolhu Football Stadium last Wednesday.

Authorities reported that a faction of spectators breached the stadium’s confines during the match, instigating altercations with players of Victory Sports Club and officials.

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While the police have acknowledged the apprehension of ten individuals in connection to the incident, they have chosen not to disclose the identities of those detained.

The Criminal Court, in preceding proceedings, has ordered the pre-trial detention of four suspects implicated in the altercation. The initial trio arrested in connection to the case were remanded in custody for a period of 15 days. Subsequently, a fourth suspect was similarly remanded for five days, with these decisions made on Monday.

Among those arrested is Ibrahim Alif Rauf, an individual with a documented history of criminal activity.

The outbreak of violence occurred during the latter stages of the quarter-final match between Kuda Henveiru and Victory Sports Club, with Victory holding a commanding 3-1 lead.

Tensions soared following a contentious incident involving Victory Sports Club’s foreign player, Anatolii Vlasichev, and Kuda Henveiru’s Mohamed Hazim Riffath. Vlasichev’s deliberate foul against Hazim triggered an uproar, compounded by the referee’s decision to issue Vlasichev a yellow card rather than a red.

In response, supporters of Kuda Henveiru breached the pitch perimeter, confronting players and officials from Victory Sports Club. Reports indicate that Victory’s coach, Hussain Sobah, was subjected to assault amid efforts by law enforcement to contain the escalating situation.