Zimbabwe Clubs Ordered To Play Behind Closed Doors

31 January 2001
allAfrica.com
By Michael Kariati

Harare — The Zimbabwe Football Association has ordered three top clubs to play their first matches of the 2001 season in empty stadiums, following violent clashes that marred their games last year.

The three clubs, champions Highlanders, Dynamos and Masvingo United were punished in the wake of a wave of violence that left one fan dead, and several others seriously injured.

Highlanders and Masvingo United fans were involved in serious clashes that left several people injured and property worth thousands of dollars damaged in the last league match of the 2000 season on November 19.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw and secured Highlanders the league championship. For their part in the violence, Zimbabwe's CAF Champions League representatives, Highlanders, have been slapped with a US$350 fine after their fans were found guilty of provoking the opposition, and will play their first game at home behind closed doors.

The Bulawayo giants have also been punished for their part in the riot that followed the Firstel Super Cup match against Dynamos on December 10. One fan died and several others were left seriously injured as Highlanders fans ran amok after their team had lost 4-2 to Dynamos.

Dynamos will pay for their fans' behaviour during the same match and for their part in the violence that took place after the Madison Trophy final against Amazulu. The three clubs have accepted the order, which will take effect on February 17 when the Zimbabwe Soccer season starts.

"Masvingo United have no problems in playing in an empty stadium, but ZIFA have to pay for the match officials," says the club's chairman, King Pamire.

But Leo Mugabe, the ZIFA boss said: "Clubs have to be answerable to the behaviour of their fans and Highlanders, Dynamos, and Masvingo have to be punished. This will force them to educate their supporters how to behave at matches."

Mugabe said they are going to clamp down on violence at matches and fans found guilty of having started violence at matches will be identified, charged by the police, and be banned from attending any games. Mugabe added that players who are found guilty of having caused violence will also be banned for life.

The decision to order the clubs to play behind closed doors is the first of its kind in the history of Zimbabwean football, and ZIFA believes this will go a long way in minimising the level of violence that was seen last season.

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