THE Northern Region Soccer League have come down hard on Black Rhinos coaches and have hauled Nesbert Saruchera's side to a disciplinary hearing for alleged misconduct during their 1-1 draw away to CC Lee Mhangura.
In a brief statement yesterday, the league insisted they would not tolerate any behaviour that would bring the Division One into disrepute.
This could result in some Rhinos players also being sanctioned.
"The Northern Region Soccer League unreservedly denounce the conduct of Black Rhinos FC technical staff members together with their players as witnessed during and after their matchday 13 encounter against CC Lee Mhangura, at Mhangura Stadium," reads part of the statement.
"The demonstrated deplorable behaviour can only tarnish the image of the league, and therefore not called for and has no justification, whatsoever.
"We take seriously the safety and well-being of our stakeholders at our match venues, and we remain convinced that appropriate measures will be meted out and help serve as a warning to would-be perpetrators of this shameful conduct.
"We implore our clubs to continuously preach adherence to our rules and regulations to their players and technical staff members and help cultivate a conducive environment befitting our soccer matches.
"We are motivated and encouraged that the generality of our clubs are desirous on their quest to attain violence-free match venues.
"We will not allow these isolated cases to soil the efforts of many, in this regard.
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"The matter has been referred to our Disciplinary Committee for a determination, next week," the league said.
The Rhinos bench was accused of having lost their cool as the pressure for the top spot in the NRSL heightens.
Following the draw, Rhinos slipped into second place, behind Harare City who regained pole position.
Tanaka Dzinga and Victor Mukutaire were on target for the Sunshine Boys who moved a point ahead of Rhinos.
Just like Rhinos, third-placed MWOS also stuttered when they were held by Trojan Stars in Bindura.
MWSOS had to thank Farau Matare for his late equaliser that cancelled a Chris Nguluve goal for the hosts.
There was joy, however, for fourth-placed Golden Eagle who edged Black Mambas 1-0 in a high-profile clash at Ellis Robbins.
Kevin Dube's first half goal made all the difference for the Golden Eagles who still harbour ambitions of gaining promotion this year.
Herentals U20 who were held 1-1 away to Agama at Pfura stadium in Mt Darwin, complete the top-five standings.
