Nomads accept FDH Bank Cup charges
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have accepted charges levelled against them by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for their supporters’ acts of hooliganism during the FDH Bank Cup round of 16 match against their rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets.
The match, which was played at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on July 28, saw the People’s Team emerge 2-1 winners.
In a letter to the association, the Nomads said they do not intend to contest the misconduct charges.
However, the Lali Lubani Road outfit has pleaded with the FAM competitions committee to consider their mitigating factors and circumstances when making its final determination.
Reads the mitigating factors in part: “The match was completed normally despite the occurrence of pockets of hooliganism and temporary stoppage; no damage to property in or outside the stadium was reported.”
Wanderers further state that no injury to the players and fans of both clubs, officiating crew and other staff was reported.
It further reads: “As stated in the match commissioner’s report, further acts of hooliganism were provoked by the police actions of firing teargas canisters into the neutral stands.
“Wanderers officials and even players played a vital role to defuse the tense situation and also to remove the objects that were pelted on the pitch paving the way for resumption of the game. This aspect is equally reflected in the Match Commissioner’s Report.”
Wanderers admit that the incidents of violence and hooliganism were regrettable and occurred despite their efforts to prevent and avoid the same.
The letter further reads: “Even when the unfortunate incidents arose, our officials took urgent effective steps to contain the situation allowing for completion of the match.
“Be that as it may, we offer our unreserved apologies to the FA, sponsors FDH Bank, our opponents on the day Bullets FC and the entire football fraternity for the pockets of violence and hooliganism complained of.
“In the light of the foregoing representations as well as our club’s demonstration of genuine contrition and remorse and saving of time and expense attendant upon a full disciplinary hearing, we plead for your leniency and clemency when considering our fate.
“In future, we undertake to impose stricter and robust crowd control measures in order to avoid a recurrence of the ugly incidents of hooliganism.”
FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the association’s competitions committee will look at Wanderers’ response and determine the way forward.
In a related development, FAM has banned Karonga United from playing three competitive home matches at Karonga Stadium after finding them guilty of similar charges during their FDH Bank Cup round of 32 match against Mzuzu City Hammers FC.
In addition, Karonga United hasve also been fined K1 million.
Reads the verdict in part: “Karonga United FC failed to prevent their supporters from pelting objects in the field of play towards the direction of second assistant referee and forced the match to stop on two occasions.”
The verdict further says Karonga United have the right of appeal within 72 hours in respect of the tournament’s rules and regulations.
Karonga general secretary Ramzey Simwaka could not be reached for comment on Sunday.
