adminFC PLATINUM Zimbabwe’s representatives in the Caf Confederations Cup have condemned the behaviour of some football fans who threw missiles onto the pitch during their match against Kenyan side Sofapaka in Mandava, Zvishavane a fortnight ago.
FC Platinum media relations officer, Chido Chizondo said they do not tolerate hooliganism in their games and have a strong supporters association that works hand in glove with the club to ensure the few missile throwers are apprehended.
She said it was clear most of their fans were against violence as it was a misnomer in football games.
During the match at Mandava some fans decided to express their frustration against the visiting team’s goalkeeper Evariste Mututimana. Mututimana had gone down feigning injury deep in the second half, and the fans responded by throwing missiles into the field of play.
“The hooligans were immediately apprehended and handed over to the police by our supporters who understand our policy of anti-violence,’’ said Chizondo
“Hooliganism has no place in football and we will continue to take all the action needed to eliminate all hooligans in the game, if it means banning them then we will do it. However, I would like to commend the actions of our genuine supporters who understand that no matter the circumstances on the pitch, it is against the law and unnecessary to throw objects into the field of play,” she said.
Chizondo said three hooligans were arrested on the day and paid admission of guilt fines, adding they were in doubt they were FC Platinum supporters as they were not wearing team regalia.
“Our supporters know each other because of their interaction on a regular basis but the three men who were arrested are not familiar with our fans hence we have strong doubts they support FC Platinum, I am sure they just came to watch the match and sat among our supporters.”
The incident happened when FC Platinum was comfortably leading, 2-1 and Mututimana could not have been accused of time-wasting as they apparently needed the goals.
Hooliganism and violence has come under the spotlight ahead of the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season following incidents at three pre-season matches. These include, the Caps-Dynamos Sino-Zimbabwe Challenge Cup final clash, the Bob91 elimination match involving Caps and Highlanders and the FC Platinum/Sofapaka match.
The Bob91 final clash between Dynamos and Caps United was also characterized by missile throwing with fans invading the pitch after the game to celebrate DeMbare’s victory.
There has been an all-round condemnation of the acts of hooliganism from various people within the football world ranging from players, administrators and supporters bodies.
The PSL is mulling either deducting points or forcing teams to play in empty stadiums as way curbing the violence that has marred pre-season matches.
Highlanders met with police and Bulawayo City Council representatives last Friday as part of efforts to address the issue of hooliganism.
Although Highlanders chief executive officer, Ndumiso Gumede could not reveal the resolutions the parties came up with during the meeting, he was quoted by the Chronicle saying: “We were in consensus that crowd trouble compromises the club as it leads to us paying hefty fines, losing potential revenue as people might decide to stay home and scare away potential sponsors.”
Bosso has resolved to resuscitate their marshals’ wing, with club volunteers set to be deployed among fans and work hand in hand with the police to reprimand and identify troublemakers.
Online Reporter