FAZ rejects Nchanga Rangers appeal

The FAZ Appeals Committee has rejected Nchanga Rangers appeal to have the five-match spectator ban for their home matches and K50, 000 fine overturned.

Nchanga Rangers were handed a five-match spectator ban for their home matches following crowd trouble at Nchanga Stadium on October 1 after their home match against Nkana Football Club.

In a statement issued by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala, the Appeals Committee upheld the ruling by the Disciplinary Committee stressing that FAZ had placed a high premium on stadium safety and security for host teams.

In its verdict, the Appeals Committee noted that Nchanga Rangers did not dispute the grounds on which they were sanctioned but merely pleaded for leniency.

“The committee therefore made the following decisions, against the background that there has been a growing tendency of misconduct and violent acts by fans or supporters, the Appeals Committee declined to interfere with the decision of the Disciplinary Committee,” read part of the verdict.

“That it is of the position that the ban of five games on fans and supporters will serve the purpose of deterring the local supporters of the club from reverting to similar conduct/misconduct in the future. It is therefore in the interest of preserving order and discipline in the game among soccer fans, the Disciplinary Committee’s position was upheld.”

According to the committee, the K50, 000 fine imposed by the Disciplinary Committee is principally aimed at serving as a penalty against the administration of the management of the football club.