‘BULL’ FACE OVER E200K FINE!

MBABANE – They are in hot soup.

This was after some Mbabane Highlanders fans invaded Mavuso Sports Centre, during an MTN Premier League match against Manzini Sea Birds. The game, which was played on Sunday, saw the angry Highlanders fans bay for referee Mbongeni Shongwe’s blood. The latter was adjudged to have controversially awarded the winning goal to the hosts. Sea Birds’ Sandumuzi Zwane’s free-header, 11 minutes from time, appeared to have been guided in by a hand. According to the Premier League Rules and Regulations for the 2022/23 season, the capital city giants might face an over E200 000 fine if found guilty of the possible eight charges.

The most obvious ones, which they may not get away with, are for contravening Articles 10.6 1,3,5,9 and 11. If the PLE prosecutor is not lenient, their fine might tally up to E235 000.
Article 10.6.3 stipulates that assaulting a referee, PLE official, player, club official, steward, supporter, fan, spectator or the use of excessive force shall be punished with a fine of not less than E50 000 by the disciplinary committee.

incident

Another glaring incident which might catch the eye of the PLE prosecutor is that of article 10.6.9, which condemns committing any act of violence of whatsoever nature not provided for in these rules, which carries a minimum fine of E25 000. This was when they tried to block a police van from driving out of the stadium. They will most likely not escape article 10.6.11, which is about failing to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and committing any other act of unsporting behaviour, which comes with a minimum fine of E20 000. Reached for comment, Mbabane Highlanders Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Clement Dlamini condemned the act of violence. “The managing director (MD), management committee (MC) and the whole Mbabane Highlanders family, wholeheartedly condemns the unfortunate incidents of violence and hooliganism which marred our game against Manzini Sea Birds,” said Dlamini.

The CEO further apologised to all football stakeholders for such unsporting behaviour. “The office of the managing director will surely task a team, with the help of PLE, to investigate the causes of such an unfortunate scenario,” he said. He also pleaded with all loyal supporters to be always vigilant and guard against hooligans. “Anyone who might pretend to be part of us and tarnish the name and reputation of our team must guard against such unsporting behaviour. We acknowledge and appreciate efforts of our team marshalls, supporters and security personnel who were on the ground, trying to control the situation,” he said. He highlighted that they wished to assure all stakeholders and the general public that they would take all legitimate steps to restore confidence and trust in the beautiful game.

Deal

The Premier League of Eswatini(PLE) CEO Kenneth Makhanya, in a statement, assured all football stakeholders that they would deal with the Mavuso Sports Centre incident in the best way possible.  “Such actions are prohibited by the Rules and Regulations of the Premier League. We are looking into this matter and consulting with relevant stakeholders to deal with the matter in the best interest of football in Eswatini.

apologises

“The PLE sincerely apologises to the supporters at the stadium, Mavuso Stadium owners, Eswatini MTN our league sponsor, Eswatini Football Association, the entire nation and all Eswatini football supporters internationally, who were subjected to these unfortunate scenes,” he said. He also said they were dealing with this matter in line with the rules and regulations of the league and will issue a statement once the process was complete.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: