The
South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Kirsten Nematandani
has spoken out strongly against the
growing incidents of hooliganism within South African football, saying this
disturbing development should be eliminated without delay.
The
SAFA President said he was extremely concerned at the incidents of unruly crowd
behaviour at football matches of late.
Only on Sunday, irate Mamelodi Sundowns supporters tore down barriers and knocked down the club dugout in protest against losing 2-0 to Moroka Swallows at Dobsonville Stadium.
Only on Sunday, irate Mamelodi Sundowns supporters tore down barriers and knocked down the club dugout in protest against losing 2-0 to Moroka Swallows at Dobsonville Stadium.
There
have also been other incidents of crowd trouble in high-profile matches lately,
and the SAFA President urged clubs and the League to root out this rising
scourge by educating their supporters. He also recommended clubs to identify
the perpetrators and mete out the harshest punishment.
“Most
people go to watch soccer as a source of entertainment with their families, and
they need to be protected from these thugs.
SAFA condemns this unruly behaviour unconditionally. Football supporters should learn to respect
the outcome of any game” he said.
“We
can’t allow people to take the law into their own hands, because by so doing
they are destroying the 2010 legacy.
These unpleasant images are viewed across the globe. They are denting the image of football in the
country, hence we say NO to hooliganism.”
“The
league should go through all available footage and ban for life those involved
in such dangerous and unruly behaviour. We should root out this evil before it
becomes a monster,” added Nematandani.
