PSL sanctions: Amakhosi take calculated gamble

Sy Lerman

Perhaps because the evidence was self-evident – or possibly as a strategic move in lessening what is expected to be stiff punishment – Kaizer Chiefs pleaded guilty to the PSL disciplinary committee regarding charges related to the rioting of their fans during the recent Nedbank Cup semifinal defeat to Free State Stars at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Complicating the verdict is a suspended fine of R200 000 hanging over Amakhosi in regard to similar – but not as serious – crowd misbehaviour.

But in addition to any additional fines they might set, the PSL recently made what was regarded a future policy directive decision by forcing Orlando Pirates to play their Premiership game against Bidvest Wits University behind closed doors.

An estimated R2.8-million in damages has been placed on record regarding the now infamous Mabhida mayhem and a number of security officials, as well as spectators, suffered some form of injury.

A token eight offenders were arrested in connection with the violence, but the police have not consequently revealed how they will be prosecuted – and on what charges ultimately.

The DC, it seems, are torn between delivering the most balanced form of punishment on Chiefs, providing a deterrant for any similar incidents in the future to clubs all-round, while at the same time – and despite Amakhosi’s stable financial situation – not crippling the club out of all proportion.