The FKF Premier League promotion/relegation playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United ended in chaos on Tuesday after violent scenes at Ulinzi Sports Complex forced the match to be abandoned before the final whistle.

The game had been building towards a tense finish, with Sharks having fought back from an early deficit to take a 2-1 lead before events in the second half brought the contest to a premature end.

Mombasa United made the perfect start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Christian Lubulu headed home from a corner kick delivery.

Sharks responded by gradually taking control of the game and found their equaliser in the 28th minute. Patillah Omoto stepped up to take a free-kick and produced the finish that brought the home side level.

The momentum had shifted in Sharks’ favour, and they completed the comeback just before half-time.

Douglas Omanga struck in the 45th minute to put Sharks 2-1 ahead, a scoreline that remained intact as the two teams went into the break.

The second half resumed with the tie finely poised, Sharks now having overturned the 2-1 first-leg deficit and sitting in front on the night.

Then came the decisive flashpoint.

Midway through the second half, Kariobangi Sharks defender was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the penalty area while challenging for the ball. Referee John Sulwe immediately pointed to the spot, awarding Mombasa United a penalty.

The decision triggered an immediate reaction from the Sharks players.

Several players surrounded Sulwe to protest the call, with the confrontation quickly becoming physical. Some Sharks players were seen grabbing the referee around the neck as they demanded an explanation for the penalty decision.

The situation spiralled further when members of the Sharks technical bench left their area and entered the pitch, joining the protest around the match officials.

The disorder then spread into the stands, with a section of Kariobangi Sharks supporters invading the pitch and moving towards the match officials.

Sulwe was subsequently assaulted amid the confrontation before security personnel intervened and rushed him away from the scene.

Police officers also entered the playing area as they sought to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating further.

The match could not resume, leaving the playoff unresolved after what had been a dramatic contest.

The fate of the playoff now rests with the relevant football authorities, who will determine the consequences of the abandonment and the next course of action in the promotion/relegation battle.