The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) has suspended all Castle Lager PSL matches indefinitely in an attempt to crack down on violence.
The action followed weekend clash between Highlanders and Dynamos fans, and a brawl between club officials at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Fight broke out just after the hour mark after Highlanders fans threatened to invade the pitch after Bill Antonio’s challenge left Andrew Tandi with a broken leg.
As some fans, including families with children, tried to escape, the clashes spilled out onto the field of play, sending players running for cover.
The play resumed after fifteen minutes but the ugly incidents occurred again on the 90th minute when Highlanders took the lead in the 93rd minute through Washington Navaya’s header.
The match was abandoned after fans invaded the pitch and attacked the referee with some were seen uprooting the goalposts and tearing the nets.
“The Premier Soccer League has suspended all Castle Lager PSL matches with immediate effect until further notice following incidents of violence and hooliganism that continue to take place in our football.
“The PSL strongly condemns such acts as they can only serve to tarnish the beautiful game of football.
“We are currently engaging all key stakeholders to find lasting solutions to these challenges. We have scheduled a meeting with Security Officials including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Club Security Officers and Marshals as well as stadium owners on Friday 20 May 2022.
“Meanwhile, we have requested Highlanders FC, Dynamos FC and the ZRP to furnish us with reports detailing the events that transpired at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday 15 May 2022. We will take disciplinary action after receiving the said reports.
“We take this opportunity to apologise to all football loving fans, our sponsors and stakeholders. We hope to address these challenges before resuming football matches.”
Chicken Inn currently leads the league with 31 points from 15 matches, one clear of second-place Dynamos, while Higlanders are a distant ninth with just 19 points.
