Chronicle Editor
Lovemore Dube
HIGHLANDERS FC who appeared before a Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee last Tuesday want their abandoned league match against Dynamos to be continued from the 39th minute.
The match could not proceed beyond the 38th minute after football fans on the Soweto Stand at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo threw missiles protesting referee Allen Bhasvi’s handling of their entertaining and explosive tie against Dynamos three weeks ago.
According to information from senior club sources, Highlanders are not taking the blame for the abandonment of the game, alleging that the home team Dynamos should have provided adequate security for the tie.
Police were outnumbered and did well to retreat when the Soweto mob descended on the pitch in what could have been a bloodbath at Barbourfields Stadium, experts said. Police eventually used tear smoke to disperse groups of fans outside the stadium.
Sought for comment, Highlanders FC chief executive officer Ronald Moyo said the case was sub judice. But Zimpapers Sports Hub has it in good authority that the club wants the match replayed.
“The club and players cannot be held responsible for the abandonment of the match. It was up to the home team to provide adequate security for the tie,” said a source at Highlanders FC. Dynamos were the home team as their traditional home ground in Harare was undergoing rehabilitation.
At the hearing, Highlanders are said to have poked holes in the Peter Muduhwa case, who was also arraigned before the disciplinary hearing. The Bosso vice-captain and among the favourites for the Soccer Star of the Year accolade, was arraigned before the disciplinary committee charged with inciting behaviour.
According to sources, the referees alleged that while in the tunnel headed to the dressing room, Muduhwa is said to have shouted that the referees should not get access to their rooms.
But video evidence shows Muduhwa and Ariel Sibanda at the centre of the pitch as referees headed to the dressing rooms. Sources said the club was disappointed that the player was being targeted in a season in which he has been outstanding. Muduhwa was due to captain the Warriors yesterday against Botswana.
Highlanders are saying the Ajax and Feyenoord match in the Netherlands that was abandoned at 56 minutes due to crowd trouble should be used as a precedent that clubs at times are not responsible for violence but this is the work of individuals within a stadia that they do not control.
Feyenoord were leading 3-0 when the game was abandoned and when it resumed a few days later, they scored the fourth goal for a resounding 4-0 win.
Online Reporter