The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been summoned to parliament. The portfolio committee on sport wants an explanation regarding security at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Stadium management and the police have refuted allegations by the PSL that a lack of proper policing contributed to weekend violence.
Scores of people were injured when fans invaded the pitch after the Nedbank Cup semi-final between Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars.
The aftermath resulted in torched chairs and shattered windows. Moses Mabhida management says the damage is estimated to be millions of rand.
Kaizer Chiefs supporters invaded the pitch after their team’s 2-nil defeat by Free State Stars.
Security guards and the police were attacked. Now stadium management is considering stricter safety measures.
Moses Mabhida Management, Vusi Mazibuko says, “The second element of the design was to ensure that spectators have a better sight view of the stadium. Can you imagine if we have to cage the stadium and put high fences? It would then impact on the experience of the spectator watching the match.”
KwaZulu-Natal police say they’re hot on the heels of the perpetrators.
SAPS’s Jay Naicker says: “We have identified some suspects through our appeals to the media. People have begun coming forward and names have been given to our investigators.”
Meanwhile, a good Samaritan has offered to pay all medical expenses for a security guard who was assaulted by supporters. He will also pay his annual salary in full.
Businessman Blaine Joseph says: “In a short time, we want to help him immediately with whatever medical assistance he’s going to need on top of whatever the PSL is offering. There will be no waiting. Furthermore we just want to offer him a salary for a year. Whatever he went through was traumatic.”
The damage caused by spectators on Saturday night has not affected the functions of the stadium as it’s business as usual.
Stadium officials and the municipality are expected to announce the costs of the damage soon.
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