Indications are that Shabanie will be awarded three points for the abandoned match.
OnSport Reporter
THE eagerly-awaited ruling in the case of Shabanie Mine-Gwanda Pirates abandoned match pitting Shabanie Mine is set to be released this week with sources indicating the Chinda Boys will walk away with three points.
The Zifa Central Region Soccer League tie between the two sides on May 18 at Maglas Stadium ended prematurely in the 68th minute following crowd trouble.
Central Region administrator, Gift Nyapomwe said the disciplinary committee indicated the judgement will be released before the end of this week.
However, sources within the region have revealed Shabanie Mine will be awarded the match after the DC concluded that Gwanda Pirates fans’ action to sit on the pitch led to the abandonment of the game.
“The verdict is coming out this week but there are indications Shabanie Mine will be awarded the match,” said the source who declined to be named.
The disciplinary committee is made up of Jethro Nyarota, Passmore Mabukwa, Thomas Militao, Wellington Davira and Joseph Mususa.
Contradicting statements
In the aftermath of the game, the two sides released contrasting statements pointing fingers at each other.
Gwanda Pirates attributed the violence to poor officiating, citing a controversial decision by the referee.
According to the club, the referee initially awarded Shabanie Mine a penalty before reversing the decision to a freekick, a move that angered the home supporters and allegedly sparked the mayhem.
Shabanie Mine, however, said Gwanda Pirates forward, Newman Sianchali, elbowed their player Edward Tapfuma, leading to an altercation.
Chinda Boys said the visitors’ supporters began throwing stones onto the pitch and even poured beer on the match commissioner.
The club further alleged that a Gwanda Pirates supporter fired two gunshots into the air and two Shabanie Mine fans were stabbed.
