Kaizer Chiefs is at risk of playing one of their home games in an empty stadium should their supporters misbehave again in the next six months.
The club’s supporters have thrown missiles aimed at coach Molefi Ntseki twice in the space of two months. The first incident took place at Mbombela Stadium following Chiefs’ 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy on 20 August. Exactly a month later, on 20 September – Ntseki needed a police escort to leave Peter Mokaba Stadium after losing to SuperSport United 1-0.
Chiefs pleaded guilty and were fined R100 000 by the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) disciplinary committee (DC) for the first offence, with R30 000 suspended on condition they aren’t found guilty of a similar offence. The PSL DC came down harder on Amakhosi for their second offence, where they also pleaded guilty.
The DC fined the club R200 000 on Monday, with R50 000 suspended on condition that they aren’t found guilty of a similar offence in six months. The suspended R30 000 from the first fine then became payable, meaning that the club will fork out R180 000 due to their supporters’ behaviour.
The PSL DC didn’t end there in an attempt to send a strong message.
“As a mark of the PSL DC’s displeasure at the errant behaviour of these few fans, they were further ordered with an automatic spectator ban at the next match in the event that they are to be found guilty of the same offence during the next six months,” said Zola Majavu, the PSL’s prosecutor.
“This is what is traditionally referred to as a lockout, and it is contemplated in the rules of the league.
“Sadly, and unfortunately, the import of it is that it will affect other innocent spectators or fans of the club they are scheduled to play next. Unfortunately, for practical considerations, it would simply mean that that particular fixture will be played without fans from both sides.”
Chiefs’ next home game is on Tuesday night against Cape Town City. Their next three DStv Premiership matches after that are against Golden Arrows, Cape Town Spurs and their arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.
“This is indeed a serious warning shot issued by the league through its judicial body, and it is perfectly contemplated in the rules of the league,” said Majavu.
“The chair of the DC made a specific call that all the clubs should heed this warning, and do all things necessary to convey the message through whatever channels to the fans that this type of behaviour will not be countenanced. There is also recognition that fining the club alone will not necessarily deal with this unacceptable conduct, hence the automatic lockout in the event of a future contravention.” Sourced: PSL DC comes down hard on Kaizer Chiefs following crowd trouble | Sport (news24.com)