Moyale fined, players banned for violence: Malawi Super League
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has slapped Mzuzu based soldiers Moyale Barracks F.C with a K470, 000.00 fine plus banning some of its key players following violent conduct which happened on 8 September during and after a TNM Super League game against Big Bullets F.C at the Mzuzu Stadium.
During the match, which ended 1-0 in favour of Bullets Moyale Barracks players and fans assaulted referee Mabvuto Godoya as well as his assistants Victor Nkhata and Williams Chidyaonga.
Sulom convened a disciplinary hearing in on Monday (September 10, 2012) and Tuesday (September 11, 2012) which found Moyale guilty of misconduct and breaching Sulom rules and regulations as well as FIFA disciplinary code., according to the verdict accessed by Nyasa Times.
Five charges were levelled against Moyale Barracks which include failing to provide adequate security at the stadium, allowing players and supporters disturb normal proceedings of the game as the officiating personnel were assaulted on half time and denied entry to the dressing room for a refresher.
The disciplinary committee also found out that the players and supporters behaved in a manner which brought SULOM and its sponsor TNM in disrepute contrary to Article 13.1.6 of SULOM.
According to the verdict signed by Sulom treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda, Sulom also found that four Moyale players namely Anthony Manda, Timothy Nyirenda, Victor Nyirenda and Lovemore Mitengo were also personally in breach of conduct and rules and regulations of Sulom and FIFA disciplinary codes.
The findings reveal that Manda assaulted Bullets player Douglas Chirambo by punching him after being fouled in the 70th minute of the game.
Timothy Nyirenda assaulted the Assistant Referee Victor Nkhata by punching him soon after the end of the game and that his action ignited the violence from the supporters and further assaults on the three officiating personnel of the game Messers Victor Nkhata, Mabvuto Godoya and Williams Chidyaonga.
Phiri and Mitengo assaulted the referee by punching him during half time of the match and his action
led to Moyale supporters denying access to the dressing room of the officiating personnel.
Furthermore, the Disciplinary Committee found that the officiating personnel failed to control the proceedings of the game and their performance was below par as follows.
The referee is also at fault for cautioning Moyale defender Manda with a yellow card following a punch on Chirambo an incident which attracts a straight red card according to soccer rules.
“In response Moyale Barracks accepted the charges and did condone the unbecoming behaviour of both their supporters and players. Their Legal Advisor and General Secretary were remorseful and apologetic.” reads part of the verdict.
Moyale said it will institute its own inquiry into the matter and punish the violence perpetuators.
Following the verdict, the Sulom secretariat has since announced that the TNM Super League match involving Moyale and Red Lions will be played at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa.
But Moyale risk further game bans if it fails to submit a report of an inquiry it has instituted.
“A further ban of four matches to be effected if Moyale doesn’t furnish SULOM with the findings of the incident inquiry the team has established by 30th November 2012,” reads the statement adding that the current ban is effective from the next fixture which is on 16th September 2012.
Moyale will also pay pays K200,000 for bringing SULOM and TNM in disrepute with a further K100,000 for the fracas and tension caused by its supporters action that has retrogressive impact on football development.
The club has also been given a serious warning for any improper conduct.
“If in the next three years it is involved in any misconduct of the same nature it risks being banned indefinitely” reads the verdict.
The club will also refund any medical expenses incurred by the officiating personnel due to the assault.
The Disciplinary Committee further charges that the following Moyale Barracks FC players as follows:
Anthony Manda
A five match ban for assaulting an opponent during the match as stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Timothy Nyirenda
A six months ban from playing football under the auspice of SULOM for assaulting the Assistant Referee Victor Nkhata as stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary code and a further K70,000.
Victor Phiri
A six months ban from playing football under the auspice of SULOM or sitting on the bench as an official, for assaulting the Referee Mabvuto Godoya as stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code and a
further K50,000.
Lovemore Mitengo
A six months ban from playing football under the auspice of SULOM for assaulting the Referee Mabvuto Godoya as stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code and a further K50,000.
Finally the Disciplinary Committee also recommends the National Referees Committee (NRC) not to allocate Mabvuto Godoya (the Referee) any Super League game for the next 3 months. The committee further express its concern to the National Referees Committee on the standard of officiation and urge NRC to ensure that referees are following the laws of the game to the fullest.
All the fines for Moyale are totalling to K470, 000.00 and payable before the next fixture which is
on 16th September 2012 and failure shall lead to forfeiture of points.
Meanwhile, Sulom has strongly reprimanded the acts of violence that happened at Mzuzu Stadium but given Moyale a chance to appeal.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
