By Sports Correspondent
DESPITE viral videos revealing the brutal extent to which police officers were besieged at Babourfields over the weekend, the football supervisory organ has surprisingly commended them for a job well done.
The remarks on that of violence acts which marred Sunday’s Castle Lager Premiership Matchday 22 encounter between Dynamos and Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium.
The match was abandoned after just thirty-five minutes after Highlanders fans at the Soweto End threw missiles before invading the pitch.
The incident occurred just moments after DeMbare’s second goal, forcing the players and coaching staff from both sides to return to the dressing rooms.
There were also times when the supporters shouted offensive chants meant to promote tribalism.
Viral videos of police officers retreating are currently awash on social media in a glaring scenario which has left football lovers questioning the ZRP’s state of preparedness in containing hooliganism.
But despite the slow reaction revealed by the ZRP details in easing the commotion, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Thursday hailed the cops for a job well done.
“The association is grateful to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for apprehending suspected perpetrators of the hooliganism at Barbour fields stadium .
“It is our sincere hope that criminals found guilty of the disorderly conduct will face the full wrath of the law,” the organ said.
To date ZRP has confirmed arresting 19 hooligans in connection with mayhem.
The organ pledged to push for enforcement of lengthy stadium bans for anyone found guilty of causing stadium trouble over and above continued engagement with stakeholders.
“Going forward , the association is lobbying for an Exclusive Focus Group to crackdown on offensive songs and tribal or racial chants which include offensive gestures and displaying of offensive messaging which cause feelings of discomfort and discrimination to rival supporters,” added ZIFA.
