The Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association has banned Setheo United FC from taking part in any of its tournaments in the near future following the club’s involvement in a fracas.
The decision follows a marathon meeting of the association on 12 December to discuss the events surrounding the Year-End Tournament game between Setheo and Gauteng FC on 10 December at the Alexandra Stadium.
Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association executive member Lazarus Matloga (pointing) orders angry Setheo players to leave the field. Photo: Sipho Siso
Gauteng won the semi-final 2–1 and after the final whistle, aggrieved Setheo technical staff, officials and supporters invaded the pitch baying for the blood of the referee whom they accused of costing them the game due to his bad refereeing.
Among the disputed decisions was a penalty awarded to Gauteng. The referee had to be escorted out of the stadium by security personnel and the secretary-general of the association, Mafika Morajane, who tried to calm down the volatile situation.
Secretary-general of the association Mafika Morajane in white cap calms down angry supporters outside the gates of the stadium as another tries to open the gate to gain entry. Photo: Sipho Siso
The ban will include the 2018 Year-End Tournament and the length of the expulsion will be determined at a sitting of the association’s disciplinary committee, which Morajane said could be early in January.
“We’re still going to formulate charges against them and call them before the disciplinary committee to answer for charges of bringing the association into disrepute,” said Morajane.
He added that the association wanted to stamp out any form of hooliganism in the township’s beautiful game and show that they would not tolerate any form of violence whatever the reason.
“Hopefully, this ban will send a strong message to our affiliates, their supporters and officials, including the technical staff and players to behave themselves in our games.”
Mafika Morajane is delighted at the elevation of Alex football and its chairperson, Maisha Molepo. Photo: Zanele Siso of Zanephoto
This is not the first time this year that violence and pandemonium has broken out in a soccer match in the township. Earlier this year, two incidents of violence were reported by Alex News, one of which involved Malandela Mighty Heroes and Dra FC in the association’s Promotional League but lack of evidence let both teams off the hook.
The other involved Blue Aces and Mighty Heroes, in the same league, which resulted in Aces being heavily fined by the association.
Gauteng FC will play Alex Royal Tigers in the final of the tournament which offers a cash prize of R100 000 for the winners. The game will be played on 16 December at the same venue.
