That the PSL has yet to take action against clubs and fans involved in hooliganism leaves much to be desired. It exposes the unprofessional manner in which our "big" league is being run.

Like the government, the PSL seems to be indecisive and quick to shift blame when leadership should be shown.

International trends in crowd control at big events such as football games dictate that alcohol and dangerous objects - like hard hats and vuvuzelas in the case of South Africa - are prohibited.

Crowd control personnel are given training and fans are educated by their respective clubs to refrain from acts that might cast the sport and their clubs in a bad light.

The failure to implement these measures has had a very negative impact on crowd attendances and sponsorship deals for our football teams.

For the most part, our players are left unpunished for unsportsmanlike behaviour, like swearing at and confronting opponents and match officials.

The scenes at the recent MTN8 semi-final second leg between Orlando Pirates and Supersport United are a typical example of players inciting crowd violence.

Without overlooking the emotional aspect of the game and sport in general, players and participants are expected to behave like role models and keep their emotions in check.

Given that most games are screened mostly during prime time , players are expected to project themselves in a manner that will encourage attendance at stadiums and interest for children to participate in the sport.

As if to turn a blind eye to all this, the PSL has been dilly-dallying instead of taking firm action against wrongdoers.

In Britain and Europe, known hooligans are barred from travelling abroad to watch games, and some have had life bans imposed on them.

This has been achieved by compelling teams to sell seasonal tickets for all their home games and installing CCTV cameras at their playing grounds to track and record all activities in the stands. In North Africa, the recent derby between Al-Ahly and Zamalek was played behind closed doors to quell the crowd violence that has continued to ravage Egyptian football.

The PSL must come down hard on offenders, whether it be Chiefs, Pirates or Sundowns.

Long or life-ban penalties, point deductions, empty stadiums and heavy fines can go a long way towards stopping this unbecoming behaviour by our clubs and mostly armchair fans.