HIGHLANDERS have been fined $1 500 by the Premier
Soccer League (PSL) for their abandoned match against
FC Platinum, but the soccer body upheld the result of
the match. The game, played on May 28 at Mandava
Stadium, was abandoned in injury time with the score at
1-1 after police fired teargas to disperse Highlanders
supporters who were throwing missiles on to the pitch
in protest at FC Platinum's equaliser.
Highlanders' supporters were unhappy with the decision
by referee Brighton Chimene to award the hosts a
penalty, which was converted by goalkeeper Petros
Mhari, with just a minute left to play.
The PSL Disciplinary Committee, which sat last week,
found the Bulawayo giants not guilty over the
abandonment, but charged the club for their supporters'
unruly behaviour. In addition to the fine which they
should pay by July 31, Highlanders will also bear the
costs of the hearing. The verdict was announced in a
statement by the PSL yesterday evening.
"The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee has
released the judgment for the abandoned Premier Soccer
League match between FC Platinum and Highlanders. The
Disciplinary Committee found Highlanders FC not guilty
of causing the abandonment of the match. However,
Highlanders FC were found guilty of throwing missiles
on to the pitch and fined the sum of $2 000, $500 of
which has been suspended for the rest of the season on
condition the club is not convicted of any offence
involving throwing of missiles. The fine of $1 500,
together with the costs of the hearing, shall be paid
by July 31, 2017. Further the Disciplinary Committee
ruled that the scoreline of the match shall stand at 1
-1," read the PSL statement.
This development will see Highlanders move to sixth
place on the log standings with 21 points, one place
below FC Platinum, who have the same number of points,
but enjoy a better goal difference.
Yesterday's punishment came just a week after
Highlanders were fined $4 000 for their abandoned match
against Dynamos earlier in the season, when their fans'
rowdy behaviour forced the game to be called off
prematurely. The match, which was called off after 40
minutes at 1-1, was awarded to Dynamos on a 3-0
scoreline. Highlanders have said they will appeal this
decision. Trouble started when Dynamos striker
Christian Ntouba scored to cancel out a Rahman
Kutsanzira goal just five minutes before the break.
Highlanders fans housed at the eastern stand, popularly
known as Empankweni, were not amused with second
assistant referee Thomas Kusosa, who they said should
have flagged Ntouba's goal for offside.
They started pelting Kusosa, who had to seek refuge in
the centre circle before the crowd went further and
invaded the pitch, amidst futile intervention by the
police and Highlanders officials. The match officials
then retreated to the dressing rooms after a stoppage
that went on for close to 40 minutes.
BY HENRY MHARA
