Tongogara face CSL censure

TONGOGARA are likely to be sanctioned by the Zifa Central Region Soccer League for the violence that erupted after their crunch season finale against TelOne in Gweru on Sunday.

Tongogara supporters ran amok following their team’s 1-0 loss to TelOne, assaulting home team supporters and damaging property at Ascot Stadium after failing to come to terms with their team’s loss, which cost them the championship.

The two teams went into the final match of the CSL season tied on 41 points from 21 games, with the army side topping the table on superior goal difference and needing just a point to secure Premiership promotion.

Videos of alleged Tongogara fans assaulting supporters at Ascot Stadium have gone viral on social media.

Condemning the violence, CSL chairman Stanley Chapeta said they had asked the police, referees and both sets of teams to submit reports, which will be forwarded to the disciplinary committee.

“The association is extremely concerned by the brazen display of violence by hooligans at (the) TelOne v Tongogara match on Sunday at Ascot Stadium in Gweru. The league doesn’t and will not countenance such acts, which do not only bring the game of football into disrepute, but also place lives of people in great danger,” said Chapeta in a statement yesterday.

“CSL is determined to stamp out football hooliganism reflecting the association’s commitment to getting tough with those who, on and off the field, violate the statutes. The region has vowed to take a leading role in the campaign to combat intolerance within the game as well as to eliminate crowd disturbances which have a damaging effect on our valued sponsors, brands and images.

“We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter and we will take necessary action to avoid the same from happening again. We would like to wish those affected by the incident a speedy recovery and hope that there are no fatalities,” he said.

Though Chapeta could not be drawn into commenting on the damage caused by the hooligans, CSL sources said TelOne reported that three of their supporters are recovering from a private hospital in Gweru following the attacks.

The hooligans are said to have deflated TelOne motor vehicle tyres, damaged Ascot Stadium dressing rooms and taken the league sponsor’s trophy as well as medals. —