TNM Super League champions Silver Strikers risk being banned from hosting matches at Silver Stadium if they breach league discipline again within the next three months.
The warning follows a ruling by the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), which has handed the Bankers a suspended stadium ban and fined them K1.75 million over misconduct during their recent match against Mafco FC.
Sulom’s disciplinary committee found the Lilongwe giants guilty on three charges of failing to control the actions of their supporters, who poured a fluid substance on Mafco FC’s goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa and intimidated players, faced pitch invasion, compromising the safety and security of players and match officials charge as well as bringing the League into disrepute and undermining the integrity and reputation of the league.
In a verdict released Thursday, Sulom confirmed that the stadium ban is suspended for three months.
The verdict reads in part: “The Super League of Malawi disciplinary committee has found Silver Strikers guilty of all the three charges they were answering. Silver Strikers is therefore fined a total of K1 750 000.00 and a ban of the use of Silver Stadium for the remainder of the season.
“The ban is, however, suspended for three months. This means that if Silver Strikers is found in breach of conduct within the next 3 months from now then the ban will automatically be activated.”
The fine was to be paid before their match against Ekhaya FC, Sulom said.
Meanwhile, Sulom has warned all clubs to guard against behaviour that threatens the sport’s integrity.
“Sulom remains committed to upholding discipline and integrity in the league. Clubs are therefore urged to educate their players, staff, and fans on the importance of maintaining order and adhering to the rules of the game.
“Any future incidents of violence or disorder will be met with appropriate and firm action. Let us all work together to preserve the spirit of football and create a safe environment for everyone,” the statement reads further.
The disciplinary measures stem from scenes during Silver andd Mafco clash on July 10 in which supporters of the home team were caught on camera pouring what appeared to be urine on goalkeeper Mikuwa during the match.
Post-match, another supporter reportedly poured a similar substance on Mafco players as they made their way to the dressing rooms.
The Salima-based Malawi Defence Force side filed a formal complaint demanding harsh action.
In statement, the Salima-based Malawi Defence Force outfit in a statement signed by press officer Marsha Kadzinje, said they want football authorities to bring the culprits to book.
In an interview, Kadzinje said they are satisfied with the verdict.
He said: “I think this is a fair verdict. We have been crying foul over these incidents which put our players at risk.”
Silver issued a public apology to Mafco and condemned the actions of their fans.
The Bankers also pledged to investigate the incident internally, but no findings have been released to date.
