Scottland’s hopes for promotion in the Premier Soccer League have been revived after they were awarded three crucial points from their abandoned match against Karoi United. The club feels this decision has boosted the morale of both players and fans, reinforcing their determination to achieve promotion on their first attempt.
A Scottland official expressed optimism, stating the team is committed to claiming the top position in the Northern Region Division One. “It’s game on,” the official remarked. “We will fight for promotion and hope our rivals falter. Our goal is to win our last six matches.”
The match, which was halted with 10 minutes remaining, turned chaotic when Karoi United supporters violently attacked the referee, as well as Scottland’s technical staff and players. Following a review of the incident, the league awarded Scottland a 3-0 victory, placing them just two points behind leaders Mwos with six games left to play.
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Match commissioner Kanzvimbo Kanzvimbo’s report identified Karoi United as the aggressors, noting that tensions between the officials of both teams had been apparent from the start. “Commotion between home and away team officials began, leading to physical altercations,” Kanzvimbo stated, adding that police had to step in to ensure Scottland’s safe arrival at the stadium.
As the match continued, Karoi United fans grew increasingly hostile, throwing objects at the referee after he issued a warning to their goalkeeper, Monze, for feigning injuries to waste time. Kanzvimbo reported that after the referee was struck, “the referees had to retreat to the changing rooms for their safety and further treatment.”
The violence ultimately led to the abandonment of the match, prompting the league to award Scottland the three points. This ruling parallels a recent incident where Mwos also received three points after their match against Shamva was abandoned.
With six matches remaining, Scottland faces a tough road to promotion, but the official’s comments highlight the club’s determination to leverage this decision and strive for a Premier League spot.