Times Of Swaziland: DOUBLE BLOW FOR ‘BULL’

DOUBLE BLOW FOR ‘BULL’
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BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO on 05/03/2019 00:47:00


MBABANE – Throwing a beer can onto the field of play during play is what
almost cost a lady fan her life during the EswatiniBank Cup games at Somhlolo
National Stadium.
The fan was saved by the quick intervention of Mbabane Highlanders marshals and
police officers as she was heavily assaulted by fellow fans at the grandstands.
Another supporter also went through the same ordeal as he was assaulted before
being whisked away to safety for also throwing a beer can onto the pitch in
protest over a refereeing decision against his team.
The fans allegedly threw the beer cans when referee Letticia Viena did not award
what appear to be a penalty among the ‘Black Bull’ fans during the 0-1 loss
to Matsapha United. This did not go down well with some fans as they assaulted
their colleagues for the offence that could cost the team a E3 000 summary fine
if noted by the match officials.
Highlanders could face a maximum fine of E100 000 for the assault if the match
officials include the incident in their match reports to be submitted to the MC
and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE).
The EswatiniBank Cup rules and regulations make it clear that assaulting a
referee, match official, club official, player or supporter could result in the
maximum E100 000 fine and compensation to the victim.
EswatiniBank Cup Management Committee (MC) Secretary and Premier League of
Eswatini (PLE) CEO Simanga Nhleko said they were still waiting for the match
officials reports that are due to be submitted before end of the day today.
“There is nothing we can say for now until we receive the match official’s
reports,” he said.
reports
Mbabane Highlanders Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thulani Khumalo said they were
also waiting for reports from their security and marshals.
“Highlanders fans are all aware how to behave during our games and we have
security or marshals who make sure that all the supporters adhere to good
behaviour. Usually, misbehaving fans are taken to the team’s Disciplinary
Committee (DC) or to the police station where a case may be opened. We will wait
for the reports and they take it from there. We are happy that we are working
with PLE on making sure that all goes well during games,” he said.