PSL fine Chiefs for pitch invasion

Kaizer Chiefs appeared before the Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee (DC) on Thursday on charges of pitch invasion by their supporters as well as the delay of a match.

The incident took place during their MTN8 quarterfinal win against Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium last month.

The match ended at 1-1 and had to be decided by a penalty shootout which Chiefs won 4-3.

Chiefs supporters burst into the stadium in celebration before police could disperse them while players had to be forced to run into the tunnel for safety.

The club pleaded guilty as charged in all charges.

“I can confirm that ealier this evening Kaizer Chiefs football club appeared before the PSL DC to answer to two counts of pitch invasion by their spectators as well as one count of the delayed restarting of the match after the pitch invasion,” PSL Prosecutor Zola Majavu said in a statement.

“They pleaded guilty as charged and having listened to extensive submissions on behalf of the prosecutor and their legal representatives, the PSL DC sanctioned Chiefs as follows.

“1. A monitory fine of R 200 000 of which half is suspended for a period of 24 months on condition that during the period of suspension they are not found guilty of the same offense. 2. The league was directed to carry the cost of the sitting as opposed to Kaizer Chiefs. This was on the understanding that the league as an event organizer, ought to have arranged security differently,” explained Majavu.

“3. Kaizer Chiefs was ordered to pay the costs, if any, of the inner perimeter fence which was breached by its supporters. 4. The league was also ordered to pay the cost of the oughter perimeter fence, if any, which was damaged as a result of the invasion and due to what the DC characterised as inaccurate security arrangement.

“5. Both the League as well as Kaizer Chiefs senior officials are directed by the DC to adress a joint press conference at which they would expected to convey a message to the masses out there regarding this type of ill-behavior,” he said.

“It was recognized that punishing the club alone in this instance is not enough. Hence the directive for the league to also shoulder some responsibility assisting Kaizer Chiefs to advice the masses out there.”