TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
ZVISHAVANE – The much-anticipated Zimbabwe Castle Lager PSL league match between FC Platinum and CAPS United, held at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane yesterday, was abandoned due to crowd troubles.
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| Image: Soccer24 |
The match was abruptly halted in the 86th minute when CAPS United fans invaded the pitch, protesting a decision by the referee that denied what they believed to be a legitimate equaliser.
The ensuing chaos made it impossible for match officials to continue the game due to safety concerns.
The uproar began after the Green Machine had a goal disallowed. Assistant referee Mcedisi Maphosa ruled that Ralph Kawondera had scored from an offside position.
As referee Lloyd Mapanje from Gweru consulted with his assistant, CAPS United fans stormed the pitch, causing a 20-minute stoppage.
Match commissioner Brighton Nyika confirmed that the match was abandoned due to security concerns raised by the referees.
At the time of the disruption, the Platinum Boys were leading 1-0, courtesy of a 9th-minute goal by Juan Mutudza.
CAPS United’s head coach, bursting with fury, Lloyd Chitembwe, expressed his frustration at the unfortunate event, criticising the referees and lamenting that Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League has been reduced to a “comic show”.
“The problem in our football has been such that the wrong man takes the centre,” Chitembwe said.
“It is unfortunate it has reduced this league to a comic show. It’s something that needs to be eradicated from our football if we are to be a serious football nation.
“This is disheartening that a referee takes centre stage and it has been happening week in, week out. This has taken away from the boy what could have been a goal of the season contender.”
The final outcome of the match will be determined by the PSL disciplinary committee.
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