Sulom vows to act on violence

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) says it will spare no one on the issue of violence that occurred during and after Sunday’s TNM Super League match between hosts FCB Nyasa Bullets and Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Suspected Bullets fans threw objects on the pitch while Silver Strikers’ team bus was smashed and had its tyres slashed.

The home team was not spared of the ugly scenes as their team bus’ tyres were also deflated by the hooligans.

Sulom vice-general secretary Donnex Chilonga yesterday said those responsible will be punished.

“No team will be protected, we are governed by rules and be assured that the rules will apply withour fear or favour,” he said.

A statement released by the flagship football league runners says appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Reads the statement in part: “The stoning incident is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of sportsmanship and the values that we uphold in the league.

“We would like to assure all stakeholders, including players, fans and officials that the Super League of Malawi will not tolerate such behaviour.”

Sulom further said it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of everyone involved at its matches “and will work closely with law enforcement sgencies to investigate this incident thoroughly”.

Meanwhile, Silver, who won the match 1-0, have said they incurred extra costs following the smashing of their team bus as they could not depart for Lilongwe soon after the match.

In an interview yesterday, the club’s chief executive officer Patrick Chimimba said: “It was impossible to travel, we had to incur extra costs for the night as our bus couldn’t  make the trip.

“It’s windscreen was smashed, rear view mirror was vandalised and the tyres slashed.”

On whether Bullets acknowledge the involvement of their fans in the violent acts, Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said: “We wouldn’t want to draw conclusions as yet.  We will soberly react to the incident after we critically make a postmortem of what actually triggered it.

“Having said that, there is no room for violence in the game of football. Bullets subscribes to fair play, sportsmanship and respect for others.”

Meanwhile, a football supporters grouping, Mpira Umodzi Supporters Initiative (Musi), formerly known as MBC Stand Supporters Initiative has also condemned the violent acts.

In a statement, the grouping said: “We express our deep concern and sadness regarding these regrettable incidents and call for immediate action to address this issue.

“Football has always been a source of joy, unity and passion for millions of fans worldwide.

“It transcends boundaries, brings people together, and promotes the values of teamwork, respect, and fair play.”