Orlando Pirates have appeared before the PSL Disciplinary Committee on Monday morning for spectator misbehaviour against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 second-leg semifinal clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Soweto giants have been fined R200 000 of which half is suspended for a period of 24 months on condition that during the period of suspension they are not found guilty of the same offence.
Bucs pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them by the PSL Disciplinary Committee.
The showdown ended with a 3-0 scoreline which saw Pirates cruising their way to the tournament’s finals where they faced AmaZulu whom they defeated 1-0 to be crowned the MTN8 champions.
This was not the first incident that took place where spectators had invaded the pitch in the just-ended MTN8 competition as it happened during the quarterfinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch at Danie Craven Stadium.
ZOLA MAJAVU’S JUDGEMENT…
“I can confirm that Orlando Pirates earlier this morning appeared before the PSL DC to answer to spectator misbehaviour after the final whistle at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on the 22nd of October 2022,” said the PSL Prosecutor, Advocate Zola Majavu in a statement.
“They pleaded guilty as charged and as the result of having listened to the submissions by both parties’ representatives, the PSL DC sanctioned them as follows;
a) A monetary fine in the amount of R200 000, half of which is suspended for a period of 24 months from today on condition that they are not found guilty of the same offence again.
b) Effectively they would have to pay R100 000 plus 50% of the DC hearing costs for today.”
MAJAVU’S PLEA TO THE FANS…
“I wish to make a plea to the fans out there as the league’s prosecution authority to refrain from behaving in a manner that will land the teams they claim to love in hot water, because according to the rules of the league that amounts to strict liability and it matters not how many fans invade the pitch,” he added.
“Even one fan who unlawfully invades the pitch can land their respective clubs in serious trouble, which can result in successive fines. This can hardly be good for the interest of football, especially the club that you claim to support.
“We are therefore calling on everybody to respect the rules of the league and enjoy the sport without causing any unnecessary distractions.”
