Chris Theko
Matlama are faced with a M20 000 fine after missiles were thrown into the pitch by their supporters in their 2-1 loss to Bantu at Setsoto Stadium a fortnight ago.
The match had to be stopped for about five minutes after the incident to calm the angry supporters following Matlama’s midfielder Phafa Tšosane was called offside.
Moeketsi Ramakatsa, the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) Spokesperson confirmed that as committee, they have decided to take disciplinary measures against Matlama.
“There is no doubts that Matlama has to face disciplinary action for the hooliganism of its supporters,” said Ramakatsa.
A similar incident happened earlier this season where Matlama were fined M20 000.
The earlier fine had M15 000 suspended on condition that there is no repeat of the same thing for the remainder of the season meaning; this means Matlama already had a pending M15 000 fine.
“Now they will have to pay the M15 000 which was suspended plus the additional M20 000 for this offence we have ruled on,” Ramakatsa said.
According to the PLMC spokesperson, there is no space for hooliganism in football citing it was the teams’ responsibility to teach their supporters discipline.
He said this time of the season has too much pressure as it is thus it was crucial to avoid any distractions.
“This type of behaviour has no place in our sport. Lives might get endangered and we don’t want that to happen. Teams have a responsibility to ensure that supporters behave. This time of the season comes with a lot of pressure where winning is at stake, but that doesn’t mean hooliganism should be allowed,” said Ramakatsa.
Ramakatsa also admitted that some of the fines are very lenient noting that they know some of the judgements are moderate.
“There is nothing that we can do because we are not an organisation that can control its own affairs. We still rely heavily on the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA)’s rules and regulations and it becomes a long process to amend the rules,” Ramakatsa said.
Meanwhile in an interview with Newsday Sports, Matlama noted ……
