Bullets fined heavily for fans’ deplorable behaviour for assaulting refs

Nyasa Big Bullets have been fined MK400,000 for the behaviour of their fans, who invaded the pitch and assaulted the officiating personnel after been disgruntled with their officiation during their TNM Super League game against Azam Tigers on 23rd October, 2016 at Kamuzu Stadium.

On that day, the referee failed to notice that an Azam Tigers had handled a goal bound shot during a goalmouth melee in the dying minutes of the game that ended 0-0.

Fans were incensed with that and invaded the pitch to accost the ref and during the disorderliness following the fracas that ensued, the police were forced to fire teargas to disperse the crowd.

The disciplinary report says: “even though the match ended within the required regulated time nasty incidents were noted immediately the referee blew the final whistle signalling the end of the match.

“Nyasa Big Bullets supporters identified by their traditional red and white colours invaded the pitch and the tunnel leading to the dressing room and in  the process it was alleged that the assaulted the officiating crew.

“There was also disorderliness after the match which resulted in the police firing teargas. SULOM requested reports from stakeholders to make a determination on the matter.

“The submitted reports prompted SULOM to call Nyasa Big Bullets to a disciplinary hearing. The disciplinary hearing was convened on 3rd November, 2016 and 6th December, 2016. The Disciplinary Committee comprised of Mr. Patrick Kalanda (chair), Mr. Felix Tambulasi and Mr. George Pagaja.

“Nyasa Big Bullets was represented by their General Secretary Kelvin Moyo, Treasurer Alex Gondwe and Mr. Willie Phalula. The following charges were levelled against Nyasa Big Bullets :
1. Nyasa Big Bullets Supporters in red and white colours led by Fecton Mpini and Ernest (Culture) invaded the pitch and the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms.
2. Nyasa Big Bullets failed to take precautionary measures to prevent assault on officiating crew by its players, technical officials and supporters.
3. Causing disorderliness due to the pelting of stones and ancillary objects towards the pitch and dressing rooms which resulted in the police firing teargas.

“Reports and documents perused and considered in determining this matter, we looked at and considered various reports and documentation from the relevant parties. These included, in no particular order, the Match Assessors Report dated 23.10.16, Match Report Sheet dated 23.10.16, Stewards Match Report dated 24.10.16, Police Report dated 24.10.16 and the oral report made on the day  of the hearing by SULOM representative on the match day Daud Sulemani (Vice President).

“It is from the totality of the above mentioned reports and the issues that were raised at the disciplinary hearing that we come to the conclusion that is the subject matter of this determination,” the report says.

The report says Article 21.3 of the SULOM Rules and Regulations prescribes a maximum fine of K500,000 for offences like the one in issue.

“However, we considered the following mitigating factors: The normal flow of the match was not disturbed since the match was concluded and there was no any report of damages to the facility presented during the hearing.

“There was no evidence of any bodily harm to any of the officiating officials and this is the first time Nyasa Big Bullets is facing the charges above this season.

“Thus in line with Article 21 (3) of the SULOM Rules and Regulations, we accordingly fine Nyasa Big Bullets the sum of MK400,000. This fine must be paid before Nyasa Big Bullets club’s next match (fixture).

“Failure will lead into forfeiting points in future games. Any aggrieved party is free to appeal within 48 hours upon payment of the appeal fee.

Second-placed Nyasa Bullets’ next match is against 12th-placed Dwangwa United at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday, which they cannot afford to forfeit.

The TNM Super League title contenders is between leaders Kamuzu Barracks, second-placed Nyasa Big Bullets and third-placed Blue Eagles. They all play their games simultaneously on Sunday.

The leaders Kamuzu Barracks date third placed Blue Eagles at Nankhaka.

A draw between Kamuzu Barracks and Blue Eagles — and a win for Bullets — will certainly catapult the People’s team to the top in their bid to defend the title for the third consecutive season.

No team at this stage can afford to drop any point — Kamuzu Barracks, at 52 points from 27 games, lead with just one point ahead of Bullets, who tie with the Eagles at 51 points but the People’s Team have better goal difference of 23 while the Cops of Nankhaka have 17.

The maximum points if each of the three win their remaining three games are 61 for Kamuzu Barracks and 60 for Bullets and the Eagles.

Meanwhile, SULOM has banned Mighty Be Forward Wanderers fan, Charles Lizigeni from watching any football match organised by SULOM for displaying violent conduct towards the officiating personnel by slapping him in the tunnel on October 15, 2016.

In its report, SULOM says: “We would like to commend the quick action shown by the stewards and police on duty who managed to apprehend the culprit and are waiting anxiously for the outcome of the action of the courts since we understand the police are prosecuting the case.

“Be Forward Wanderers are asked to ensure that the ban is monitored and effected.”

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