Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s top football clubs, has been hit with a hefty fine of R180,000 for two separate incidents of missile-throwing by their supporters. In addition to the fine, the club also faces a suspended spectator ban or a match behind closed doors as a potential punishment.
The incidents in question took place during the team’s DStv Premiership defeat against SuperSport United on September 20 and their MTN8 semifinal second-leg loss against Mamelodi Sundowns on September 23. In both matches, objects were thrown at coach Molefi Ntseki.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Springboks Suffer Blow As Mapimpi Sustains Cheekbone Injury
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee (DC) held a hearing on Monday to address these incidents. PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently convicted.
The DC issued a ruling that consists of a fine of R200,000, with R50,000 suspended for six months, on the condition that the club is not found guilty of the same offence again. This means that Kaizer Chiefs will have to pay R150,000 as the effective payable amount.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Kaizer Chiefs has been penalized for missile-throwing incidents. Just a few weeks prior, the club was found guilty of the same offence and was fined R100,000, with R30,000 suspended for 12 months. However, since the club has now been convicted of the same offence again, the suspended portion of the previous fine has come into effect.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Gavin Hunt Laments Coaching Restrictions In Caf Confederation Cup
The PSL DC also imposed an automatic spectator ban on Kaizer Chiefs for their next match if they are found guilty of the same offence within the next six months. This ban serves as a clear indication of the DC’s displeasure with the behaviour of a few fans.
These missile-throwing incidents not only pose a serious safety risk to players and officials but also tarnish the reputation of the club and the sport as a whole. It is crucial for fans to remember that supporting a team should be done in a respectful and responsible manner.
The fine and potential sanctions imposed on Kaizer Chiefs should serve as a wake-up call for both the club and its supporters. It is imperative that everyone involved takes the necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
