Orlando Pirates to play two games behind closed doors

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Apr 18, 2018. 10:00

The South African Premier Soccer League has found Orlando Pirates guilty of pitch invasion and has ordered them to play two of their matches behind closed doors as punishment.

Following an investigation, the PSL Disciplinary Committee handed down its decision on Tuesday against the Buccaneers.

The sanctions arise from the crowd violence which took place at Loftus Stadium on 11 February 2017, during the club’s match against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates lost the match 6-0 and as a result fans started damaging stadium property, television equipment and invaded the pitch as well.

“The Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Orlando Pirates by ordering that the club must play two home matches in a closed stadium,” said the PSL.

“The implementation of one of these matches has been suspended for a period 24 months.

“In the Disciplinary Committee’s opinion, the sentence was warranted because of the seriousness of the misconduct.

“In addition, the Disciplinary Committee was of the view that a sanction of this nature is the only way in which the fans of the club could be punished simultaneously with the club, for their errant behaviour during football matches.

“Orlando Pirates was also ordered to pay the costs of the sittings of the Disciplinary Committee.”