The Sunday News
Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS’ chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede feels schooling supporters on the dictates of football will go a long way towards eradicating violence from stadiums. Gumede, who was expressing concern over the recent violence that erupted after a derby between Highlanders and Chicken Inn, said it was shocking that fans would enter the stadium carrying stones and other items that are used as missiles contrary to the dictates of the Fifa fair play concept which stipulates, among other things, that defeat should be accepted with dignity.
Gumede said there was a need to roll out supporter education as some of the measures to eradicate violence at football matches, but was quick to point out that as a club there was little they could do to curb hooliganism as it appeared to have been embedded in the local football culture.
“I think there is really little we can do to stop these violent acts because it seems to have pervaded local football culture.
“I worked in Botswana for some time and I never saw such things when it came to football, even if we look at other neighbouring countries we do not see such things. However, violence at matches is not an African problem, the worst football disaster that took place involved Liverpool fans so we need creative ways to end it,” said the seasoned football administrator.
Gumede was agreeable that arresting perpetrators of violence was critical and that surveillance cameras would come in handy to ensure those involved in hooliganism were identified and banned from the stadia.
He said while police had suggested during a meeting after the skirmishes to increase security personnel at the stadia, Highlanders were wary of the move as it would further eat into their match day revenues.
“We don’t condone violence of any nature particularly at a football match that should provide people with opportunity for a family outing. “We believe entry searches should be thorough to prevent missiles and alcohol entering the stadium,” said Gumede.
Bosso have been summoned to appear before a Premier Soccer League disciplinary committee on 8 September over the behaviour of their fans during the league match against Chicken Inn.
