Kaizer Chiefs have released a statement on the sad incident that saw Arthur Zwane being hit and injured by a bottle thrown at him after their defeat to SuperSport United.
Chiefs lost their 11th game of the season – a new negative record in the PSL era – and are now without a chance to still qualify for a CAF inter-club competition next season.
After Amakhosi’s fourth defeat in their last five games in all competitions, fans hurled objects at Zwane and some of the players as they walked off the pitch.
Zwane got injured in the process, as he was hit by a police shield underneath his eye after he had been escorted off the pitch by police – with Chiefs now releasing the following statement.
“Kaizer Chiefs would like to confirm that coach, Arthur Zwane is fine following the incident that occurred at the end of the match against SuperSport United at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Saturday.
“A few angry supporters threw some objects in the direction of the coach as he was leaving the pitch after giving his post-match interview. The SAPS and security officers, who were on hand, intervened instantly to restore order. In the process of protecting the people leaving the pitch, one of the officers accidentally struck the coach with his shield, causing a small cut to his cheek.
“The coach was immediately assessed in the change room by the doctor and was diagnosed to be fine. He returned to Johannesburg on the team bus, together with the players, without requiring any further medical attention.
“Much as the Club understands that supporters were disappointed with the result, such expressions of dissatisfaction as were seen in Phokeng on Saturday are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Hence, we implore all our supporters to please refrain from any form of violence.
“As we prepare for our last game of the season, we call on the Amakhosi Faithful to rally behind the team and the coach and inspire us to finish the season in style. The players and the technical team are giving their best out there, so let’s stick together and give them all the support we can.
“We are looking forward to seeing our faithful supporters at FNB Stadium on Saturday when we welcome Cape Town City.”
