The Premier Soccer League have summoned Dynamos and Highlanders to a disciplinary hearing following crowd trouble that caused the abandonment of their match on Sunday.
Bosso vice-captain Peter Muduhwa has also been summoned to a hearing on September 26 over inciting the fans.
The clubs are charged with contravening Order 31 of the PSL rules and regulations after fans invaded the pitch, threw missiles and fought running battles with the police after the game had only been played for 37th minutes.
The match officials called off the match with Dynamos leading 2-0.
“The Premier Soccer League has summoned Highlanders, Highlanders player Peter Muduhwa and Dynamos to appear before the PSL Disciplinary Committee following the abandonment of the Castle Lager PSL match between Dynamos and Highlanders played at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday September 10 2023. Highlanders have been charged with causing the abandonment of the match, missile throwing, pitch invasion, acts of violence and malicious damage to property. Highlanders FC player, Peter Muduhwa is being accused of inciting violence and improper behaviour which brings the League into disrepute. Dynamos have also been charged with pitch invasion, missile throwing and acts of violence. The disciplinary proceedings shall take place on Tuesday 26 September 2023 at the PSL office,” the PSL statement read.
Based on precedence, Highlanders are likely to forfeit the match with Dynamos getting all three points.
Both clubs face hefty fines over missile throwing and pitch invasion.
Last year, Dynamos fans caused the abandonment of their match against Highlanders following crowd trouble and Bosso were given the three points.
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Meanwhile, Zifa claims that unruly fans would be banned from stadia in the future following the arrest of fans linked to the skirmishes that led to the abandonment of the Dynamos and Highlanders league match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
To date, police have arrested close to 20 supporters for the violence that left four law enforcement agents and four civilians injured.
In a statement yesterday, Zifa paid tribute to the police for the arrests.
“The association is grateful to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for apprehending suspected perpetrators of the hooliganism at Barbourfields Stadium. It is our sincere hope that criminals found guilty of the disorderly conduct will face the full wrath of the law. Further, we will push for further enforcement of lengthy stadium bans for anyone found causing trouble at stadiums. Football is a team sport, and supporters should also play their part to keep the game civilised,” Zifa said.
It deplored the weekend violence, “encouraging all concerned stakeholders to act responsibly in order to preserve the values of fair play and camaraderie in our game”.
“Supporters, players, and officials should act in ways that promote the development of Zimbabwean football,” Zifa said.
Highlanders’ coach Baltemar Brito would not comment about the Sunday fracas, but said all football stakeholders should work on something to avoid the same incident recurring in future.
“Before the game, we asked for everyone’s good behaviour, not only the fans but the players and everyone. We do not want to make an assessment of the situation because this is past. Everyone should think about the situation and should make an effort to improve in the future; we, players, the board, fans and everyone that belongs to this industry and even the journalists,” Brito said.
Meanwhile, PSL have shot down Yadah’s request to have their game against Highlanders moved to a neutral venue fearing a repeat of Sunday’s violence.
