The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has referred the two incidents that happened during week 32 of the MTN Super League to the FAZ Disciplinary Committee.
ZPL has urged the clubs to take greater responsibility in managing their players, officials and supporters and enhancing matchday security.
Kabwe Warriors players confronted the first assistant after their goal was ruled out for offside and looked to have gotten physical in their approach in the video that’s circulating online.
“The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has taken note of the incidents that occurred during the Week 32 fixtures between NAPSA Stars and Kabwe Warriors at REIZ Arena, and Nkana vs Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
In line with set guidelines the matters shall be referred to the FAZ Disciplinary Committee for due determination of the cases.
We urge all clubs to take greater responsibility in managing their players, officials and supporters and enhancing matchday security. The ZPL remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all.
Football should be a family-friendly experience where fans of all ages feel safe and welcome. Acts of violence not only disrupt this atmosphere but also undermine the spirit of the game.”
The Statement went on; Likewise all fans are also urged to respect the game, support their teams peacefully, and report any misconduct to the appropriate authorities.”
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) on the other hand has hinted on harsh punishment for the perpetrators of the chaos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium that caused damage to the stadium.
“We sign off on a disturbing note following ugly scenes at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium where some hooligans masquerading as fans ripped off seats in protest of a penalty given to Power Dynamos against Nkana. The match ended 1-1. With the game being the most popular and biggest advert of our league, there could not have been a worse portrayal of our football. We are barely hanging on to one FIFA approved stadium and cannot afford such levels of barbarism. While it is too early to provide a conclusive picture of what measures will be taken, I can definitely confirm that this behaviour will be heavily punished.”
Meanwhile Nkana Football Club whose fans have been figured as the major culprit in Sunday’s chaos has offered to replace the seats damaged during the derby.
“While we may not agree with the referee’s decision, we respect the game and the spirit of sportsmanship. We deeply regret the actions of some individuals that led to the damage of property. As a club, we stand for integrity and respect, and we are committed to making amends,” Club President, Eng. Joseph Silwimba said.
“We would like to offer our sincere apologies to the stadium management and we will take steps to replace the damaged seats.”
Kabwe Warriors confronting match officials is unsportsmanlike. Use lay down procedures to air you grievances.
Let Nkana football club pay for the damages and later on be banned. Levy Mwanawasa stadium is the only one we have at the moment approved by FIFA to host international games.
Thanks to the Nkana football club President Engineer Joseph Silwimba for his statement and position to replace the damages and above all let Nkana and Power Dynamos games next year be played under closed doors, I mean without supporters because we have been experiencing this for years now