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Sulom awaits reports on Lilongwe violence

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has said it is still waiting for reports from different stakeholders to determine the cause of the violence that occurred during and after Saturday’s game between Epac and Big Bullets at Silver Stadium.

A number of people, including Silver Strikers player Tony Chitsulo were victims of the fracas that also resulted in Epac’s team bus front windscreen being cracked.

Williams Banda
Williams Banda

This was the first serious case of violence this season after sponsors of the league TNM and Sulom stepped up an anti-violence campaign, including the introduction of ‘Shasha’ mascot.

Sulom general secretary Williams Banda on Tuesday condemned the ugly scenes that occurred in and outside the stadium.

“For fear of jeorpadising the investigations, we are not going to say much. Suffice to say we are awaiting reports from the relevant stakeholders such as the referee, match commissioner, the two teams, stadium authorities, security personnel and our representative,” said Banda.

He, however, said preliminary findings that are not official point at the referee’s incompetence. He also said police were faulted on public disorder management while Bullets fans’ conduct was also deplorable.

Banda claimed the police were on the pitch instead of getting closer to the people in the stands. He warned that no acts of misconduct will be condoned.

Bullets general secretary Harold Fote distanced his team’s supporters from the ugly scenes, including Chitsulo’s assault.

“We have the most disciplined supporters in the land. If at all they reacted, it was because they were frustrated by the biased officiation and indeed police’s conduct,” said Fote.

Fote also denied that it was Bullets fans who stoned the Epac bus.

However, according to Silver GS Mike Tembo, Chitsulo was attacked by suspected Bullets supporters.

Police Headquarters publicist John Namalenga said no arrests were made considering the tense situation. He said the best option was to control the fans from turning more violent.

He also said they did not get any reports on injuries apart from the stoning of the Epac bus.

 

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