TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
HARARE – The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee has fined CAPS United US$5000 following the abandonment of their match against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane in April.
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| Image: Soccer24.co.zw |
The match was abandoned after CAPS United fans invaded the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision to disallow a late goal by Ralph Kawondera for offside.
CAPS United were found guilty of contravening sections of the PSL Rules and Regulations.
As a result, the club forfeited the game on a 0-3 scoreline, according to the PSL judgment released on Tuesday night. This ruling saw FC Platinum move into third position on 18 points, just one behind the log leaders Highlanders.
In addition to the club's fine, CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was fined US$400 for post-match statements criticizing the match officials.
However, US$500 of the club's fine is suspended on condition of good behaviour. The club must pay the remaining US$4,500 along with hearing costs by May 27, 2024.
"The club was found guilty of causing the abandonment of the match and fined a sum of USD$5000, USD$500 of which is suspended on condition that the club is not convicted of a similar offence," reads a statement issued by the Premier Soccer League’s Communications and Media Liaison Officer Kudzai Bare on Wednesday.
"The effective fine of US$4500 together with the costs of the hearing is to be paid by 27 May 2024. Additionally, the match has been forfeited and awarded to FC Platinum on a 3 nil score line.
"The CAPS United Coach, Lloyd Chitembwe was also found guilty of making statements which brought the league into disrepute and fined US$400."
Chitembwe expressed his frustration when the incident occurred, sharply criticizing the referees, and calling the PSL a "comic show".
"The problem in our football has been such that the wrong man takes the centre," Chitembwe said then.
"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."
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