THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) has descended heavily on Caps United after handing the Harare giants a hefty fine for causing the abandonment of their league match against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium earlier this season.
The PSL disciplinary committee slapped a US$5 000 fine on the Green Machine for their fans' hooliganism, while club coach Lloyd Chitembwe was also fined US$400 for his post-match outburst in which he branded the match officials “stupid”.
FC Platinum, who were leading the match 1-0 when the match was called off due to crowd trouble, have been handed the game on a 3-0 forfeiture scoreline.
Consequently, the Zvishavane side moves into third position on the log standings with 18 points, one behind joint leaders Highlanders and Manica Diamonds after 10 rounds of matches, while Caps United remain on seventh position with 13 points, although their goal difference section on the log table has taken a significant knock.
In a statement yesterday, the PSL said Caps United had been found guilty of causing the abandonment of the match and will pay US$4 500 plus the costs of the hearing.
"The club was found guilty of causing the abandonment of the match and fined a sum of US$5 000, US$500 of which is suspended on condition that the club is not convicted of a similar offense. The effective fine of US$4 500 together with the costs of the hearing is to be paid by May 27, 2024. Additionally, the match has been forfeited and awarded to FC Platinum on a 3-nil scoreline. Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was also found guilty of making statements that bring the league into disrepute and dined US$400."
The match was abandoned around 85th minutes after the away fans invaded the pitch in protest over a Ralph Kawondera disallowed goal.
The home side had taken a first half lead through Juan Mutudza before the former FC Platinum midfielder thought he had secured a point for a his side late on, but his effort was disallowed by match officials for an offside, much to the disgust of the Caps United fans who decided to take matters into their hands.
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The PSL disciplinary committee is also expected to make a judgement in another abandoned match between Dynamos and Chegutu Pirates at Baobab Stadium last month.
The match was called off after Chegutu Pirates supporters protested the awarding of a late Dynamos goal by Emmanuel Paga which they argued did not cross the goal line.
Both teams were asked by the league bosses to submit reports of what transpired on the ill-fated day.
