Zambian Super League Side Chambishi FC has been slapped with a five-match ban for spectators at Chambishi Stadium for their next home matches by the Football Association of Zambia disciplinary committee following their fans’ transgression which caused the abandonment of the week 8 match between Chambishi and Red arrows football club.
The Copperbelt-based side gave away a 3:1 to lose the match which was abandoned after fans invaded the pitch.
When Red Arrows striker Thomas Zulu scored to make it 4:3, home fans where seen throwing objects on the pitch and became unruly as they outnumbered the police.
It took the police firing teargases canisters for the fans to disperse but the match could not continue.
Chambishi has since been fined K50,000 for failure to control their supporters who breach of Article 67 of the FAZ Disciplinary Code.
FAZ announced in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that: “We have noted the apology by Chambishi FC over the conduct of their supporters. We also note the fact that the misconduct was directed to the home team’s technical bench and no one was harmed. We commend Chambishi FC for committing to educate its fans on the need for discipline when attending football matches, reads part of the verdict.
“The above notwithstanding, this committee has a duty to protect the integrity of the game by being consistent with sanctions. A precedent has been set this season on sanctions meted out to offenders to do with crowd trouble, violence and general misconduct such as throwing of missiles.”
Chambishi has become the third club to be sanctioned over hooliganism this season after Nkana and Nchanga Rangers whose brouhaha took place in the week 6 in Chingola.
Meanwhile, multiple fans have taken to social media to respond to the announcement by FAZ with some of them arguing that the sanctions are too harsh for Chambishi FC:
“The behavior of the Chambishi Football Club fans was appalling to say the least. But the sanctions which have been meted against Chambishi Football Club are too heavy to bear especially the one where the club has been fined K50, 000.”
“For an instance where no one was harmed, no property was destroyed, and no player was targeted, a fine of K50,000 is too punitive. Some of these clubs have no financial muscles at all. A five-match ban is definitely welcome so that the fans can learn.”
“To much sanctioned on chambishi atleast k10,000 would have been better plus 5 match ban for their fans”
“Chambishi should appeal this verdict. The punishment is too harsh for a struggling club which is still owing thousands of kwacha to pay its players and auxillary staff. Reduce the fine and games to be played without spectators.
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“This is too harsh for my team 50pin +5 matches without supporters mmh this is too much as if someone died.”
Mulenga Chongo Lukonde Fredrick :
“The verdict is far too harsh for a first offender. The Executive should appeal.”
