Kaizer Chiefs have officially issued an apology following spectator misbehaviour during their 4-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
Amakhosi were eliminated from the Carling Knockout in the quarter-final stage at a packed FNB Stadium.
But the match was marred by spectator behaviour, with one of the fans pictured running after match referee Luxolo Badi.
In addition, the Amakhosi fans were dissatisfied with the referee’s decisions and reacted by throwing objects onto the pitch, targeting the referee. Additionally, there were multiple instances of pitch invasions disrupting the game.
Chiefs have already been fined this season by the PSL following unruly behaviour of their supporters during their 2-1 loss to the same opponent earlier in the season in a Betway Premiership tie.
The Soweto giants apologised to all involved parties, including sponsors, the PSL, SAFA, and their dedicated fans, for the unfortunate events that unfolded at the weekend.
OFFICIALLY APOLOGY FROM KAIZER CHIEFS AFTER SPECTATOR MISBEHAVIOUR
‘Kaizer Chiefs would like to sincerely apologise to all our stakeholders, sponsors, the Premier Soccer League (PSL), South African Football Association (SAFA), and our loyal supporters for the disappointing incidents witnessed on Saturday during the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinal match against Mamelodi Sundowns,” reads the club statement.
“While it was a beautiful day for football, it was unfortunately marred by behaviour that has no place in our beloved game.
“The invasion of the pitch and the throwing of missiles onto the field are completely unacceptable.”
CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BLAMED FOR SOME OF THE BEHAVIOR AT THE FNB STADIUM
Chiefs added that while they had made significant preparations for the sold-out match, it became evident early on that some fans had consumed excessive alcohol prior to the game. This resulted in unfortunate incidents that underscore a broader societal problem that requires collective attention from both the football industry and communities.
Meanwhile, the club has also taken action in response to the recent incidents. This includes collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all individuals involved in the pitch invasion and related disturbances are identified and appropriately dealt with under the law. Support for Legal Proceedings as the three fans were arrested and appeared in court on Monday morning.
The club is also working with those involved in organising the match to conduct a thorough investigation into the events of the Saturday evening. They also strongly condemned the excessive drinking observed at the match.
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