England Kabaddi Federation condemns ‘horrific and terrifying incident’ at Derby match

A spokesperson for England Kabaddi Federation (EKF) has condemned the violence that unfolded at a Derby match, ‘in the strongest terms possible’.

The stinging rebuke is the latest update following the arrest of four men at the Derby kabaddi match that took place on Sunday August 20.

The spokesperson said: “EKF condemns the incident that took place yesterday at Derby Kabaddi Tournament in strongest terms possible.

“EKF understands that a fight broke out between unknown individuals in the car park which then spread as far as the entrance gates of the kabaddi playing areas which as always was secured by a two metre high mesh security fence.

“However, the individuals involved did not get past the crowd barriers protecting the pitch.

“While it was a horrific and terrifying incident, no bystander, player, official or spectator was in any way attacked or involved.

“Initial unconfirmed enquiries indicate that it was a pre-arranged fight between rival gangs based in Midlands.

“EKF wishes to emphasise that the gangs in question do not have any links or connections with any EKF affiliated club or its members.

“The Derby Kabaddi tournament appears to have been chosen by these gangs purely at random for reasons only they know.

“The police declared the whole area a crime scene as a result of which EKF was forced to abandon the tournament.”

The spokesperson went on to say, they have had limited contact with the police.

They said: “So far we have had no direct contact from the police and despite trying numerously yesterday we were unable to speak to the investigating officers on site.

“As such we regret that we have no more information regarding the individuals involved or details of any injuries sustained by the persons concerned.

“The safety of our players, officials and supporters is always of paramount importance.

“All clubs are issued with strict guidelines and minimum security requirements for all events.

“Ultimately each club is responsible for arranging its own security and liaising with police and other responsible authorities as part of their Event Management Plan.

“EKF will assist and cooperate fully with police in order to identify the culprits responsible.

“Any individuals found to be guilty of any criminal activities will be banned from attending all future EKF events.”

The EKF will also be carrying out an independent investigation, and any failures identified on the part of Derby Kabaddi Club will be ‘adequately dealt with in accordance with EKF’s disciplinary procedures’.

According to the EKF website, there are four more tournaments to be held this year.

EKF say security and safety guidelines currently being issued to clubs will also be reviewed and any deficiencies identified will also be tightened.

An urgent EKF board meeting will be convening later this week and a statement will follow in due course.

Derbyshire Police continue to appeal for anyone with more information to get in touch.

In a statement released on the Derbyshire Constabulary website, they wrote: ‘We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the event as well as anyone who has any video footage.

‘If you have any video footage of the event, please share it with us via the dedicated email address [email protected].

‘Following the incident, a large number of vehicles remain at the site.

‘We are keen to speak to the owners of those vehicles and would ask that they contact us as soon as possible, quoting the reference number 682 of 21 August.

‘Additionally, anyone who has any information that could help with our investigation is asked to contact us quoting the reference number 739 of 20 August.’