Kaizer Chiefs penalised by PSL for repeated fan misbehaviour

Kaizer Chiefs have been handed a hefty fine of R150,000 by the PSL Disciplinary Committee [DC] for repeated fan misbehaviour.

The Soweto giants appeared before the PSL DC on Friday and admitted guilt to charges of spectator misbehaviour.

The fine stems from the chaotic scenes that unfolded during Chiefs’ 4-0 thrashing by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals at FNB Stadium two weeks ago. Chiefs fans, frustrated by their team’s poor performance and referee decisions, resorted to throwing missiles and even invaded the pitch.

This is not the first time Chiefs have been penalised for fan misbehaviour during the 2024/25 season. Just a month ago, the club was fined R150,000 for a similar incident during a Betway Premiership match against Sundowns. The latter won 2-1.

This marks the fifth instance of fan misconduct by Amakhosi in the past two seasons. In the aftermath of the recent incident, Chiefs issued an apology and confirmed that three fans had been arrested.

However, the PSL DC has imposed a R200,000 fine, with half of the amount suspended on condition of good behaviour. And due to a previous similar offence, an additional R50,000 from a previously suspended fine will be activated. This, combined with the current fine, brings the total penalty to R150,000.

PSL’S ZOLA MAJAVU SOUNDS ALARM ON FAN HOOLIGANISM

PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu stated while clubs are held vicariously liable for their fans’ actions, the DC is bound by the league’s rules and regulations.

“Kaizer Chiefs is fined a monetary amount of R200,000, of which half is suspended for the next 12 months, on condition that during the period of suspension, they are not found guilty of the same offence again,” said Majavu.

“…You will also note that three weeks ago, Kaizer Chiefs appeared before the PSL DC on exactly the same charges. They were fined a monetary amount of R100,000, of which R50,000 was suspended.

“Within the period of suspension, Kaizer Chiefs has re-offended again by operation of law. This means that the R50,000 that was suspended earlier is now effective. It will be added to the R100,000, which is half of the R200,000 imposed for this current infringement.

“In total, it means Kaizer Chiefs will pay R150,000, plus the cost of the sitting, which are administratively computed by the league and added onto the R150,000.”

Meanwhile, Majavu went on to express concern over the recurring incidents of fan violence. He called for a more comprehensive approach to address the issue of fan hooliganism.

MAJAVU CALLS FOR TOUGHER ACTION AGAINST FAN VIOLENCE

“The DC also observed that fining clubs week in, week out is not, in and of itself, going to be an answer to deal with this growing acts of hooliganism which have an adverse impact on the league, its stakeholders as well as the sponsors,” he added.

“However, in accordance with the rules of the league and the relevant statutes, all member clubs have agreed that they would take responsibility vicariously for the actions and omissions of their spectators, fans, supporters and or officials. Unfortunately, until the rules are revisited and these infractions happen, I am duty-bound as the enforcer of the laws of the league to prepare charges and, upon conviction, ask for the sanctions that are ordained in the rule book.

“It is a matter of public record that in the previous season, Kaizer Chiefs appeared at least four times on the same charges before the PSL DC. This season, they have now made a second appearance.

“The DC observed that this particular type of misconduct is not only germane or exclusive to Kaizer Chiefs. Last week, Orlando Pirates suffered the same fate. It’s only a matter of time before other clubs follow suit.

“This type of misbehaviour, especially by those who claim to love and support their clubs, does not augur well for the development of a product that should easily be consumed without difficulties and unpalatable behaviour.

“The DC directed that this particular issue be revisited in a manner that will ensure that we think out of the box and the sanctions are such that they also assist in stemming this particular tide. But until that happens, unfortunately, we are creatures of the statutes which govern us. We are enjoined and duty-bound to implement the ruling as it currently stands. That is the position at the moment.”

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