THE Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) has come up with a raft of measures to stem the scourge of violence that is threatening to mar an otherwise exciting race for promotion.
At the weekend, the league match between Karoi United and Scottland was abandoned minutes before full time because of violence.
The two teams were tied at one-all.
The incident comes just weeks after violence caused the abandonment of the Shamva-MWOS match.
“We want to categorically reaffirm and warn that no actions which seek to harm the image of the league by design or otherwise will not be tolerated, at a time when the league is seized with efforts to reposition the image of the league in the minds of all stakeholders, concerned,” the league’s media officer Yemurai Dyakonda said in a statement.
“It is the league’s conviction that all stakeholders must live up to their obligations in the fight against acts of violence and crowd trouble at all our match venues.
“In the past, for all related acts of violence, the league introduced a regime of punitive fines and we have not seen any repeat offenders.
“In addition to the above, the league will immediately, therefore, introduce the following raft of measures, with the clear aim to prevent the occurrence of such acts of violence.”
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The league will increase security detail at all matches, with 10 police officers deployed at each match, up from four.
The number of marshals will treble to 30.
“The league will move to immediately push for the ban of any stadia where a report of any form of violence has been reported and/or order the matches of the home team where such violence has been reported to be played in an empty stadium.”
While condemning violence, the league has implored referees to apply the rules of the game fairly.
“The continued high level of competition which characterises our games brings entertainment and value for money to our fans and sponsors alike,” Dyakonda said.
“Therefore, any form of behaviour that harms the sporting integrity of our competitions will not be tolerated.
“In as much as we vehemently condemn any acts of violence, we equally appeal to our match officials to always uphold the rule book which is the essence of the spirit of the game as we pledge our commitment to ensure their safety at all our match venues.”
Log leaders MWOS, Scottland, Harare City and Black Rhinos are currently locked in an exhilarating battle for the championship which comes with promotion to the topflight league.
