Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League chairman Sweeney Mushonga has issued a stern warning to clubs on violence.
He was speaking at the recently held Extraordinary General Meeting in Harare.
Mushonga said safeguarding the integrity of the competition had become a priority following a rise in misconduct at some league matches.
“We will not tolerate any form of misconduct,” said Mushonga.
“We urge all teams, club officials, and supporters to desist from all forms of violence, pitch invasions, abuse of referees, and hooliganism. These have no place in our league.”
The warning comes after the league recorded many disciplinary incidents during the opening half of the season, including pitch invasions, intimidation of match officials, crowd violence, and attacks on referees.
Initially, several clubs disregarded the regulatory requirement to provide an ambulance for their home matches; this behaviour self-corrected as errant clubs were heavily fined.
Among the proposed resolutions are automatic suspensions and financial penalties for players and coaches found guilty of misconduct, mandatory minimum security requirements at match venues, increased accountability for club executives, and stricter enforcement of the league’s code of conduct.
“The Disciplinary Committee has been instructed to deal decisively with any club whose players, technical staff or fans are found guilty of such acts,” Mushonga said.
“Let us protect the integrity of the game and ensure our stadiums remain safe spaces for families.”
