Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER walking off the pitch protesting a penalty awarded to FC Platinum, Dynamos look set to lose three points on a 3-0 score-line and attract a fine that will further compromise their financial position.
As a result of that action, the match was abandoned at Mandava yesterday when the scores were at 1-1.
But Dynamos coach Saul Chaminuka insists that they wanted to put across a message that the referee was not fair by walking off the pitch.
“Referees are sacked because of the manner they are running matches. And they just go scot-free. If we had allowed that penalty to be taken, they were just going to go scot-free. At least the match commissioner has something to write about from here. We want to see what he writes,” Chaminuka fumed after the abandoned match.
Although PSL released a statement after the match saying they will be waiting for official match reports from the affected clubs, the writing is on the wall.
Precedent shows that in such circumstances, FC Platinum are highly likely to be awarded three points while Dynamos could be fined up to US$3 000.
“We await the match officials reports on this matter for determination according to the PSL rules and regulations. Both clubs will also be requested to submit written reports on the events that transpired,” said PSL in a statement.
“The PSL strongly condemns any acts of misconduct that lead to the abandonment of matches and those found guilty will face the full wrath of the prescribed penalties. The PSL regrets any inconvenience caused to its members, stakeholders and partners.”
Yesterday Dynamos had taken an early lead through Vusa Ngwenya in a first half the giants could have extended their lead.
Saul Chaminuka’s side looked the hungrier and FC Platinum appeared surprised by the aggression from the visitors, who are desperate to move away from the relegation zone.
In the second half, Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum looked the more dangerous, creating a lot of chances that could have seen them score five. Instead, they missed one chance after the other.
It was Thando Ngwenya who helped them get the equaliser.
And with about 20 minutes to go, referee Quedsani Dirwai awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box.
“I think we played well. We had come here to compete. We had answers to almost everything. Unfortunately, in football now there is no fair play. And sad enough, it is coming from people supposed to be using the laws, the rules,” Chaminuka added.
“It’s very funny that the first player to have impeded someone is not charged, and then when it looks like something else has happened, the whistle goes. And it’s the situation that ended up ending the game prematurely.
“What solution can there be? Has there been any game where points were taken from a penalty kick, where people sit down and say this was not a penalty? Where has that happened? Let me tell you the truth, referees are not fair. They are not fair at all.”
Chaminuka said in the first place, FC Platinum should have seen red earlier on.
“What is he (Mapeza) saying about that? I’m looking at him as a father just like me. Was that a yellow card when you deliberately attack someone after the whistle has gone? That was a red card offence . . . The game continued until we then said, I think this is enough,” said Chaminuka.
