Violence mars Bullets/Mzuzu United clash

Fighting erupted in the terraces at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday during a TNM Super League match between Big Bullets and Mzuzu United.

Tempers flared in the Bullets camp when Mzuzu United goalkeeper Chimwemwe Kumkwawa, buoyed by suspected Nomads fans’ vocal support, frustrated the People’s Team effort to collect three points. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

BB’s Fisher Kondowe, Chimango Kayira, James Chilapondwa, Douglas Chirambo, Sankhani Mkandawire and Diverson Mlozi displayed classic football, but could not score.

Although the Northern Region Super League debutantes were wasteful upfront, their defence, marshalled by Japhet Kangere, Lucky Nyoni and Lovemore Jere was rock solid.

But things turned sour at half-time when BB publicity secretary for the North, Brown Afiki, and committee member Grace Mkandawire, were roughed up by fans who were clad in blue jerseys. The fans claimed that Mzuzu United could not win the game because the two BB officials had cast a spell on them.

The officials were rescued by their trustee Ruth Chenda Mkandawire and other supporters.

Afiki claimed he was unwell after he was hit on the face and the back.

“I do not know what crime I have committed to deserve the beating,” said Afiki..

Mkandwire refused to comment on the incident, saying she was not in the mood to do so.

BB assistant coach Gerald Phiri blamed the draw on poor officiation.

Mzuzu Police publicist Sergeant Maurice Chapola confirmed the fracas and said the matter was being investigated.