Coach quits after match ends in riot
A security guard is fighting for his life after football fans stormed the field and rioted after a semifinal loss in a South African knockout cup.
Fans of Kaizer Chiefs caused more than NZ$500,000 worth of damage during the rampage, with many attempting to get to coach Steve Komphela after their 2-0 loss to Free State Stars in Durban.
According to a report on Times Live, the security guard is in hospital having been beaten by a large group of hooligans.
He was hit in the head with
"We have to cut this culture of illdiscipline and delinquency." Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela
several objects.
Footage of the incident shows fans throwing chairs and other projectiles at a security guard on the pitch, before kicking him and then hitting him with a piece of sound equipment on the back of the head.
Times Live reported that paramedics had treated several others for injuries.
Fans are said to have caused damage to several broadcast cameras and pitch side audio equipment.
A fire was started in one corner of the stadium, while seats and advertising hoardings were ripped out. Two cars were also damaged outside the stadium.
Komphela quit his role as manager of Kaizer Chiefs after the game.
‘‘We have to cut this culture of ill-discipline and delinquency,’’ he said, Times Live reported. ‘‘I have to be responsible and protect the players and administration, and set an example that this must stop.
‘‘If it has to stop with me, then it must be so ... I am effectively saying to you that I consider it my responsibility to protect everybody at stake.’’
Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung said the fan behaviour was a reality check.
‘‘We are not safe,’’ he said. ‘‘We must take responsibility and own up and accept the facts.’’
Komphela said the response was ‘‘sad’’.
‘‘At the back of this, do you still want to put people at risk? Do you want to put players at risk? I’ve got to be honest, I love dicing with fire but the culture of the club is such that we are very peaceful.’’ fan