The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malawi has revealed that a total of 239 seats at Bingu National Stadium were damaged during the Silver Strikers match against the Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the first leg of the Airtel Top8 Cup.
The ministry released its findings after a full assessment of the damage since it occurred on Saturday.
Bingu National Stadium is the only stadium certified by CAF, hence calling for a speedy restoration.
Speaking during the inspection, minister Uchizi Mkandawire expressed disappointment with the supporters’ behavior.
“This is barbaric,” said Mkandawire. “What happened is detrimental to the progress of football in the country. As the ministry, we are very worried because instead of progressing, we are going backward, which is very bad.”
Mkandawire called on the police to act and arrest the culprits.
What happened at Bingu National Stadium?
The fracas was triggered after referee Godfrey Nkhakananga awarded Silver Strikers a controversial goal in the 92nd minute.
The referee had blown a whistle for a free kick to Silver Strikers but play did not stop, and striker Stanie Davie scored to give his side a 2-1 lead.
Wanderers players and officials protested as fans started throwing objects onto the field of play with others, damaging seats.
When the first-grade referee called for a restart of the match, Wanderers players refused to play, and after ten minutes, he blew the final whistle.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) withheld the results pending investigations, and the country is still waiting for an official communication from them.
The Wanderers coach Mark Harrison already demanded a rematch claiming the match ended 1–all, arguing that the Silver’s goal was dubious.
“Where in the world? We are in trouble. To me, the match ended 1-all, and we need to have a rematch,” said Harrison.
“If there will not be an inquiry by FAM or referees, then we are in trouble. The game should be replayed; it absolutely should be replayed,” he added.
