Evirom, Ndirande, Mangochi Police fined

The Southern Region Football (SRFL) has slapped Evirom and Ndirande Icons, second-tier clubs from Ndirande Township, Blantyre, with K90 000 (about $236) and K55 000 (about $144) fines for assaulting referees in separate recent games.

A verdict posted on SRFL Face book wall,added that Evirom and Icons were docked six points each after their players assaulted referees following ill-tempered Premier Division games against Surestream Academy and Nyasa United at Surestream Stadium and BAT Ground respectively.

“Players Frank Kadam’manja and Mayamiko Kalima are suspended for the rest of the season. McPherson Fumulani and Steve Dairi [all for Evirom] are suspended for seven games. Tamimu Mwadini, Danvelo Chapola and Emmanuel Mpima [all for Icons] suspended for the rest of the season,” reads the SRFL disciplinary committee verdict.

Further, Mangochi Police were fined K40 000 (about $105) in addition to their players Gilbert Chisambo and Forbes Michila being suspended for seven games over their violent conducts in a recent game. All fines to be paid before next fixtures.

Speaking recently, Evirom owner Emanuel Viola insisted that the club does not condone violence perpetrated by the players, but further faulted the SRFL for failing to act on reports of referees’ alleged corruption which leads to their compromised officiation.

Before being deducted points, Evirom were placed sixth on 30 points, Nyasa ninth on 24 points and Mangochi 14th on 17 points.

Reacting to the verdict, SRFL chairperson Trouble Kalua urged the disciplinary committee to ensure that the decisions are enforced to the letter. He assured that the league had engaged the referees committee over reports of bias.

“We must not allow elements that tarnish the reputation of the game, especially at this time when we are at pains trying to justify to corporate partners why it is in their interest to support us. Sponsors are never amused by acts of hooliganism. I am glad the committee is putting its foot down on this,” Kalua said.

Green Hawks official Adam Gondwe described the sanctions as good initiative, saying: “I hope the referees are also warned as we should not just be looking at one side. I do not know if it is incompetence or bias ,but it needs to be looked into.”