FAZ disappointed by Mufulira Wonderers fans’ unruly behaviour

In Saturday’s game, Zesco United took the lead in the 31st minute through Winston Kalengo who fired into the bottom corner after being set up by Clatous Chama. It was at that point when fans started throwing stones onto the pitch, incensed that Chota was in an offside position when he provided the assist for Kalengo’s goal, at the same time chanting that the game was too big for a female referee. THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is saddened by the ferocious behaviour exhibited by Mighty Mufulira Wonderers’ fans that led to the abandonment of Mighty’s home game against Zesco United.

And FAZ says disciplinary measures against Mighty Mufulira Wonderers will only be decided by FAZ disciplinary committee.

This comes after Mighty Mufulira Wanderers’ home game against Zesco United was on Saturday abandoned at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira.

In Saturday’s game, Zesco United took the lead in the 31st minute through Winston Kalengo who fired into the bottom corner after being set up by Clatous Chama.

It was at that point when fans started throwing stones onto the pitch, incensed that Chota was in an offside position when he provided the assist for Kalengo's goal, at the same time chanting that the game was too big for a female referee.

Referee Gladys Lengwe delayed the match for nine minutes before she decided to send both teams off the pitch for security reasons.

After a delay of approximately 50 minutes, Match Commissioner Regina Sikazwe decided that the match be played on condition that fans calmed down but Zesco United declined saying there was not enough time to allow players to warm up and that Shinde Stadium did not have lighting for the match to be played under floodlights.

Speaking to the Lusaka Star yesterday, FAZ spokesperson, Nkweto Tembwe said the incident was a disappointment not only to Zambian football but to the entire football profession.

“It is very disappointing to see such behaviour from fans …. this is disappointing not only to Zambian football but the entire football universe,” he lamented.

Tembwe also said such occurrences should never be tolerated in football or any other sport discipline adding that FAZ will not condone any person perpetuating sports violence.

“Hooliganism is not welcome and any person found fuelling violence in the field of sports will greatly be dealt with.

“Every soccer fan must respect the decision of the referee as he or she is the eyes of the game … fans that do not respect the rules will attract a harsh punishment,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the FAZ Spokesperson said only the disciplinary committee will decide the appropriate disciplinary measures that will be taken against Mufulira Wonderers.

He revealed that the committee will soon sit to make the final decision on the matter.
 

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