CAPE TOWN - Kaizer Chiefs will have to play at least one more game behind closed doors after an appeal to have the PSL Disciplinary Committee’s sanctions reduced was dismissed on Friday.
After the fan riots at Moses Mabhida Stadium at the end of the 2017/18 Nedbank Cup semi-final, which Chiefs lost to eventual champions Free State Stars, Amakhosi were ordered to play three of their games in KwaZulu-Natal without fans in attendance – with the third game suspended for 24 months provided that the club is not found guilty of a similar offence in that period. Chiefs have already played one game behind closed doors, but applied to have the sanctions reduced by the South African Football Association (Safa) Appeal Committee.
“The South African Football Association Appeal Committee has dismissed the appeal by Kaizer Chiefs FC to have the sanction by the PSL Disciplinary Committee in respect of the Moses Mabhida incident on 21 April 2018 reduced,” the PSL said in a press release on Friday.
“Having considered submissions by both the Member Club as well as the PSL, the Appeal Committee noted that the unacceptable behaviour by Kaizer Chiefs’ supporters on the day was indeed extreme, and warranted the sanction imposed by the PSL Disciplinary Committee. Kaizer Chiefs FC were ordered to pay the costs of the appeal.”
The failed appeal could directly impact Kaizer Chiefs’ performances going forward, after the club struggled against Polokwane City in the one game played behind closed doors thus far. Head coach Giovanni Solinas admitted before the game that he would have to prepare differently for a match without the spectators, and Chiefs went on to lose 1-0. Amakhosi host Black Leopards in the first round of the Telkom Knockout at FNB Stadium on Sunday (kickoff at 3.30pm).
DERBY TICKETS SOLD OUT!
Amakhosi Family, please note that there are no more tickets available. Don't buy fake tickets and only come to the stadium with your authentic ticket in hand. #HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/h3EBcouP07
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 19, 2018