The Premier Soccer League (PSL) as well as the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Tokozile Xasa, have strongly condemned the violent riots that erupted at the Moses Mabhida stadium last night following the Nedbank semifinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars.
The (PSL) said it would work closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are subjected to the judicial process.
“Hooliganism and thuggery of this nature has no place in football and acts of violence perpetrated by individuals witnessed last night cannot be tolerated.”
“The league is awaiting reports from all relevant role players,” said the PSL.
Xasa has also called for the PSL and stadium management to provide answers on what happened.
“We can’t wait for another person to die before we act. How did supporters manage to storm the ground and endanger people’s lives? Football is a beautiful game and I can’t sit by idle while few supporters are making a skunk of our game,” she said.
Kaizer Chiefs supporters invaded the pitch at the end of the game, after their team had lost the match 2-0 to the Free State Stars.
They had managed to do so before the police could intervene.
A video from yesterday’s match showed a woman, who is believed to be a security guard, being kicked several times in the upper chest and beaten with plastic chairs.
The woman, who was beaten unconscious is said to be in a serious condition.
There has since been outrage expressed on social media, with some soccer fans doing their part in identifying the men who are responsible for assaulting the woman by sharing the video and photos.
Shocking! ???? Female security guard attacked during violent stadium invasion at the Moses Mabhida stadium, Durban.
???????? Let's find them, call them out and report them! ????????#NedbankCup semi-final, Kaizer Chiefs vs Free State Stars.
???? via @thomasmlambopic.twitter.com/tRR3Q40esm
— Leandri Janse van Vuuren (@Lean3JvV) April 21, 2018
READ RELATED: Moses Mabhida Stadium: Lack of maintenance could cost millions
Reports are that damages incurred included seats and advertising boardings that were ripped out.
A Fire was also started on the eastern side of Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Firefighters putting out fires @MMStadium as fans have set seats alight. This follows @KaizerChiefs 0 – 2 @FreeStateStars in #NedbankCup2018 semi-final. #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/59N8MBRkXh
— Thabiso Sithole (@ThabisoSithole) April 21, 2018
Two cars in the parking lot behind the stadium were also reportedly damaged while speakers around the field were kicked to pieces.
More than R3-million worth of damage was done to television and audio equipment.
Kaizer Chief’s head coach, Steve Komphela resigned with immediate effect following yesterday’s match.
The Nedbank was the only available chance for Chiefs to end a barren three years without winning silverware.
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