dyton mupawaenda
Curtworth Masango
AFTER weeks of silence, the ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League confirmed yesterday that Karoi United were found guilty of causing the abandonment of their league match at home against championship-chasing Scottland at Chikangwe.
This confirms Zimpapers Sport’s exclusive report which revealed that Scottland were awarded three points in the wake of the abandonment of that game.
While the NRSL did not provide the official judgment back then, sources leaked to Zimpapers Sport the outcome of the hearing.
Yesterday, the general expectation was that the NRSL were going to finally release the judgment.
Instead, the league’s chiefs released a statement in which they said judgment will be delivered next week.
However, in their press statement, they confirmed Zimpapers Sport’s exclusive story that a decision was reached in the initial hearing.
But, it was not released because, according to the NRSL, lawyers representing Karoi United chose to provide some mitigation on the guilty verdict.
“After delivery of the ruling on the guilty verdict of Karoi United FC, their lawyer requested for time to submit mitigation in writing by close of business on Friday the 1st day of November 2024 latest.
“The ruling on the penalty shall be delivered by the Disciplinary Committee by Monday the 4th day of November 2024 latest.”
The controversial match was played on September 15.
It was called off with eight minutes of play remaining in regulation time.
The score was tied at 1-1.
Referee Matthew Dingo claims he was struck by a missile, thrown by a Karoi United fan.
However, Karoi officials disputed those claims and said Dingo dramatised his fall after being hit by a ball thrown by a fan.
They also claimed they were surprised he chose to walk back to the dressing rooms when he had shown signs that he was struggling even just to stand.
They claimed it was a ploy set by the referee to ensure Scottland would get all the points.
Scottland have dismissed those claims.
Match Commissioner Kanzvimbo Kanzvimbo appears to have nailed down Karoi United.
In his testimony, he said the home side blocked the Scottland team bus from entering Chikangwe, sparking some commotion that saw some blows being exchanged between members of the two clubs.
Kanzvimbo also claimed some empty bottles were thrown at him and the Karoi United fans also threatened to manhandle him.
The case has generated immense attention as a Scottland win, via the boardroom, will take them two points clear of MWOS and in charge of the championship race.
Online Reporter