Clubs, footballer fined over improper conduct

22 Jun, 2014 - 00:06 0 Views

The Sunday News

ZIFA Bulawayo Province Division Two sides Magwegwe Pirates and Lobengula Stars have been fined $250 and $150 respectively after being found guilty of causing the abandonment of their league matches against Zimplow by the Zifa Southern Region Disciplinary Committee.
Zimplow were awarded both games on a 3-1 score line.
However, Pirates fork out $200 after the committee suspended $50 on condition they (Pirates) did not commit a similar offence for the duration of the season.

According to the DC’s report, the team showed remorse for their actions leading to the abandonment of their match against Zimplow on 10 May at Sizinda Grounds. They were charged with breaching the rules and regulations of the association by engaging in unruly behaviour after invading the pitch and protesting against a penalty that had been awarded to their opponents.

On the day in question, Pirates defender Phelius Sibanda conceded a foul in the penalty area in the 70th minute leading to match official Brian Nyoni pointing to the spot. The player did not take the decision lightly as he snatched a red card which was about to be flashed to him, before tearing it into pieces.

Other players and Pirates officials came into the fray as they harangued the referee over his decision leading to the abandonment of the game with Zimplow leading 1-0.

Sibanda was given a wholly suspended fine of $100 on condition he did not commit a similar offence for the rest of the 2014 season.
According to the disciplinary outcome, mitigating factors worked in Sibanda’s favour with the hearing noting that he was a first offender who showed remorse during the disciplinary proceedings and that football was his only source of livelihood. The player was, however, given a stern warning to respect referees in future.

Pirates were given seven days to pay the fine while Zimplow were also fined $150 for failing to provide security as the home team.
Lobengula Stars’ fine was also suspended on condition they did not commit a similar transgression for the rest of the season.

The club was hauled before the hearing after the team’s fans; sensing defeat invaded the pitch in a game against Zimplow on 17 May at Lobengula grounds.

Zimplow were leading the Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda-coached Lobengula Stars 3-1 and the game was in injury time when the home team’s supporters decided to invade the pitch, thus disrupting play.

The visiting team’s goalkeeper, Petros Gushire was also assaulted resulting in the referee stopping the match.
Lobengula Stars were charged with bringing the game of football into disrepute after failing to control their fans, failing to provide security as the home team and not accepting defeat.

The Zifa Southern Region Disciplinary Committee comprises former regional administrator on the referees’ desk Stanley Ntenezi and lawyers Zibusiso Ncube, Godwin Sangweni and Shepherd Chamunorwa.

Zifa Bulawayo Province chairman Washington Chimanda-Sithole said he was happy with the outcome of the hearings as it would send a warning to other teams not to engage in nefarious behaviour that tarnished the image of the game.

“We welcome the judgments because they are a warning to other clubs not to bring the game of football into disrepute.
“Such behaviour chases away sponsors at a time when we need them most and it cannot be tolerated. Football is a family game and if players and officials engage in violence we are going to lose fans. We are supposed to be providing quality entertainment and not teaching youngsters’ violence and unruliness,” said Chimanda-Sithole.

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