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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
HARARE giants CAPS United are investigating the chaotic scenes that marred the aftermath of their league game against Simba Bhora at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday with perpetrators set to get deterrent punishment that includes stadium bans.
The Green Machine came under the spotlight after a number of their supporters turned hooligan and attacked match referee Jimmy Makwanda at the end of the 1-1 draw with the visiting Shamva-based side.
Makwanda left the pitch with a heavily bandaged head after he was hit by a missile from the terraces. The referee had to scamper for safety using an alternative exit as the unruly mob of Makepekepe fans that had invaded the pitch circled him and was baying for his blood. The Green Machine are set to face discipline and possible fines from the PSL for the violent incidents.
They could be charged under Order 31.1.13.1, Order 31.1.13.3 and 31.1.13.5, which makes it an offence for a club when “its supporters misbehave in any manner whatsoever, inside or outside a ground before, during or after a match, no matter on which ground the match is played.
“Without derogating from the generality of what constitutes misbehaviour on the part of supporters, the following are specifically declared to be acts of misbehaviour: –
“31.1.13.1 Invasion or attempted invasion of the field of play, save for reasons of crowd safety.
“31.1.13.3 Throwing or attempting to throw missiles, bottled and other objects, whether potentially harmful or dangerous or not, onto the pitch, or at any person . . .
“31.1.13.5 Acts of violence or attempted acts of violence against anyone at the game.”
But the PSL would first want to receive the report from the match officials before laying any charges.
Makepekepe have since taken responsibility for the disturbances and yesterday the club issued a statement saying they were investigating the incidents.
The club also revealed they were considering stadium bans to be imposed on the perpetrators, once they get positively identified.
“As CAPS United Football Club, we strongly condemn the acts of violence and hooliganism that took place during our home game against Simba Bhora at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday 28 May 2023.
“Regardless of the frustrations that our supporters might have had during the match, such unruly behaviour of attacking the match officials and invading the pitch cannot be tolerated as it reflects badly on the game of football and the club’s image.
“We are carrying out our internal investigations on the matter and we will be using the security department and media footage to identify the culprits and once found, one of the punitive measures the club is going to implement include the suspension of the persons from attending our games.
“We need to send a strong message against such bad behaviour which we strongly believe will reflect badly on our football, CAPS United as a brand and various stakeholders involved in this beautiful game.
“We would like to urge all football loving supporters to refrain from such acts of hooliganism that stunt the growth of the sport as they scare away potential sponsors, partners and all stakeholders,” said the Green Machine statement.
The extent of Makwanda’s injury could not be ascertained yesterday.
The CAPS United supporters were unhappy with the way the match officials conducted themselves during the game. Makwanda made several questionable calls in what was a poor reflection of the refereeing standards in Zimbabwe. One of the decisions to let Simba Bhora restart the game when medics who were attending an injured CAPS United player had barely left the pitch, resulted in the 90th minute equaliser for the visitors, and the CAPS United fans immediately lost their marbles.
The Green Machine faithful also alleged Tinashe Balakasi was in off-side position when he headed in the goal. At the end of it all, William Manondo’s ninth minute strike and Balakasi’s equaliser were put in the shed as attention turned on the referee. Makwanda had to literally run for dear life, and then disappeared into the dressing rooms using an alternative exit.
This comes barely two weeks after another match official Edgar Rumeki, who was one of the assistant referees, in the match between Herentals and Dynamos was attacked by a missile and sustained a cut on his arm.
The Glamour Boys family were incensed by centre referee Thabani Bamala, who they accused of bias in favour of Herentals. Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito and FC Platinum’s Norman Mapeza have also spoken against the refereeing in the domestic PSL. Mapeza even threatened to quit football in protest of the manner their game against Herentals was handled by Lawrence Zimondi.
Despite their deficiencies, violence against match officials has been roundly condemned.
The ZIFA Referees Committee vice-chairperson Ruzive Ruzive spoke against the incidents of violence against their members in the domestic Premiership following the injury to Rumeki recently. Rumeki was hit and injured by a missile hurled at him by rowdy fans in the match between Dynamos and Herentals at the National Sports Stadium.
“Referees are humans and they may err in some situations. No referee should ever be victimised for doing his or her job. Violence against referees is totally unacceptable. I am sure there are processes that can be followed if a team is not happy with how a referee dispenses his or her duties,” said Ruzive.
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