Post-Match Unrest Leads to Multiple Arrests in Kuwait
Kuwait City, Kuwait – Twelve individuals, including high-ranking club officials and their relatives, were arrested on Friday, September 26, 2025, following significant disturbances during a football match between rival teams Kuwait Sports Club and Qadisiya Sports Club. The incident, which occurred at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, saw verbal altercations escalate into physical confrontations and a crowd storming the pitch.
Details of the Incident and Arrests
The Ministry of Interior released a statement via its official X account, detailing that the match, part of the Zain Premier League, was marred by widespread public disorder. Special security forces were deployed to manage the situation, successfully dispersing the crowd and bringing the stadium under control.
The twelve individuals taken into custody include:
- The presidents of both Kuwait Sports Club and Qadisiya Sports Club.
- Three administrative staff members from the clubs.
- Seven relatives of the administrators.
These individuals have been referred to the concerned authorities in connection with the Ardiya misdemeanor case. They face charges including 'insulting a public official during the performance of their duties,' 'resisting a public official,' and 'committing acts of assault and verbal abuse.'
Official Response and Club Rivalry Context
The Ministry of Interior emphasized its firm stance against such behavior, stating it 'will not tolerate any violations that disrupt public order or threaten the safety of spectators at sporting events.' The ministry affirmed its commitment to taking 'firm action against such behavior.'
The rivalry between Kuwait Sports Club and Qadisiya Sports Club is one of the most intense in Kuwaiti football, often drawing large and passionate crowds. Historically, matches between these two prominent clubs have been highly anticipated and competitive, reflecting a deep-seated sporting rivalry within the nation.
5 Comments
Mariposa
The rivalry is part of the game's soul. Don't ruin the atmosphere with harsh tactics.
Muchacha
The passion of the rivalry is undeniable, but it clearly crossed a line into violence. However, the scale of arrests, especially involving family members, raises questions about due process.
Bella Ciao
Overreaction! It's just football passion, they should understand that.
Africa
Ensuring public order at sporting events is paramount for everyone's safety. However, the article doesn't detail the specific actions of all the arrested officials and relatives, making it hard to judge the fairness of all the charges.
Bermudez
Club officials should lead by example. These arrests are absolutely justified.