Violence and hooliganism pushes PSL to freeze football in Zimbabwe

The age-old African proverb “When two bulls fight, it is the grass that suffers” rings true when taking a close look at the current Zimbabwean football situation.

This comes after violence which occurred during Sunday’s derby match between rivals Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo affected the rest of the clubs also affiliated to the PSL.

The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (CLPSL) is contested by eighteen clubs and due to the outbreak of violence on Sunday the other sixteen teams have heavily been affected.

The clubs now need to bear the burden caused by both Bosso and DeMbare supporters which later resulted in the abandonment of the match.

The outcome has seen the PSL who are the local football owners issuing a statement on Monday citing that “with immediate effect and until further notice all the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League games have been suspended”.

The PSL revealed that the decision was reached “following incidents of violence and hooliganism that continue to take place in our football,” as quoted in their statement.

“The PSL strongly condemns such acts as they can only serve to tarnish the beautiful game of football. We (PSL) 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,” reads the statement.

Bosso and DeMbare fans took turns to invade the pitch for different reasons.

Bosso fans were celebrating a goal scored by striker Washington Navaya while Dynamos fans were protesting against the match official claiming the goal was supposed to be ruled off for a foul.

The DeMbare fans argued that the referee was supposed to give their side a free kick indicating defender Shadreck Nyahwa was fouled in the build to the goal which was scored in the 92nd minute.