Chegutu Pirates and Dynamos have been directed by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to submit comprehensive reports regarding the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of their Thursday night encounter at Baobab Stadium.
The referee’s decision to accept Dynamos’ goal in the 97th minute, which the players from Chegutu Pirates protested, saying the ball hadn’t passed the goal line, caused the game to end. Videos showed that when the Chegutu Pirates defender headed the ball in an attempt to clear it, he was behind the goal line.
The scene worsened as Chegutu Pirates supporters threw objects onto the pitch after the event.
Chegutu Pirates will face disciplinary punishment, according to a statement released on Saturday by Kudzai Bare, the PSL’s communications and media liaison officer. To preserve the integrity of the sport, she underlined how crucial it is that officials and players follow the league’s rules and guidelines.
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The PSL game between Chegutu Pirates and Dynamos is the second to be abandoned this season; on April 6, the match between CAPS United and FC Platinum was also called off. In that particular incident, Ralph Kawondera’s goal was disallowed for offside, prompting CAPS United supporters to storm the pitch in anger. The outcome of CAPS United’s disciplinary hearings is still unknown.
This incident brings to mind a similar circumstance in 2022, when the PSL Disciplinary Committee reprimanded Highlanders and Dynamos for acts of violence and hooliganism during a league game. The match was given to Highlanders with a score of 3-0, while Dynamos, the home club, was fined $7,500 and Highlanders $5,000.