Royal Aria chaos under investigation
Botswana Football League ( BFL) has set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the ugly scenes that took place at Royal Aria during the Gaborone derby. The top of the table clash, which attracted multitudes of football fans, lived up to its billing as hundreds of fans desperate to see the clash of the two Gaborone giants surged through an open gate as security forces stood by helplessly. The official recorded number is 7500, a figure disputed by observers. Close sources have revealed that the reported number was a move by the relevant authorities to escape charges of overcrowding and stampede that marred what was a great football spectacle. Fresh information gathered by this publication indicates that at least over 5 000 more tickets were printed. After the official match day tickets were allocated to the two clubs, bringing a total
number of spectators to over the 10 000 capacity of the stadium.
In addition, the two teams are facing possible charges of violation of COVID- 19 protocols as there was no social distancing and most spectators did not put on their masks. Botswana Football Association ( BFA) has reportedly written to the BFL asking for an update on the matter as it has potential to bring football into disrepute. Although the BFA’s letter does not have any time frame on it, BFL bosses wasted no time to begin their investigation. The BFL’s immediate response to the matter saw them release a statement which suggested that perpetrators will be brought forth to account for their conduct. “The Botswana Football League ( BFL) condemns and warn supporters against unsporting behavior displayed during Township Rollers and Gaborone United match yesterday ( 19 February 2022) at Royal Aria stadium. The concerned supporters conducted themselves dishonorably by pushing
the gate against security and almost caused a stampede in the ensuing chaos which almost brought the BFL and the beautiful game into disrepute,” part of the BFL statement reads, interestingly, it was signed by Gaborone United director, Nicolas Zakhem, who is also the league Chairperson.
“Yes, it is true, a commission of inquiry has been set up to find out what could have caused the chaos and stampede at the game. It is still early stages to give out any details at the moment but I can only confirm that investigations regarding the situation are underway,” close source to the developments revealed. The commission began work this week and amongst those heading the team is Botswana Football Association’s ( BFA) General Manager, Monnakgotla Mojaki. The commission team has not been given a specific time frame to have concluded their investigations but, the Premier League board awaits their report, which will assists the league to make well informed decisions.