Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) has cracked the whip on both Hardrock and Dynamos following the crowd trouble that led to the abandonment of their encounter at Chahwanda Stadium on May 24.
In a disciplinary judgment released on Wednesday, the PSL Disciplinary Committee found both clubs guilty of causing the abandonment of the Matchday 14 fixture through pitch invasion, acts of violence, improper conduct and disrupting the normal proceedings of the game.
The ruling marks one of the toughest disciplinary actions handed down this season, with both clubs receiving hefty financial penalties and additional sanctions aimed at curbing crowd violence.
Hardrock , the home side, was fined US$10,000, with US$2,000 suspended for the remainder of the season, provided the club does not commit a similar offence. The Kwekwe outfit has also been ordered to play one home match behind closed doors and submit a revised Match Security Management Plan to the PSL chief executive within 30 days.
Dynamos were similarly hit with a US$10,000 fine after being found guilty of, among other offences, malicious damage to the perimeter fence at Chahwanda Stadium. The Harare giants have been instructed to submit a formal crowd management and stewarding plan within 30 days.
In addition, Dynamos will be required to file written reports after each of their away matches for the remainder of the 2026 season, detailing the measures they have taken to manage their travelling supporters.
The PSL Disciplinary Committee also ruled that the remaining minutes of the abandoned fixture will be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue under league protocols, bringing closure to a match that descended into chaos and sparked widespread debate over fan behaviour and stadium security standards.
In another significant development, Hardrock chief executive officer Kudzanai Hove was found guilty of disorderly conduct, pitch invasion and violent behaviour. He has been suspended from all football-related activities for the remainder of the 2026 season and fined US$5,000.
The PSL’s strong stance sends a clear message that crowd violence and administrative misconduct will not be tolerated, as the league seeks to safeguard the integrity of the domestic game and ensure a safe environment for players, officials and supporters alike.
The sanctions now place both clubs under intense scrutiny for the remainder of the campaign, with any further transgressions likely to attract even harsher punishment.-@FungaiMuderere
