The Premier Soccer League has condemned the pitch invasion and acts of hooliganism that disrupted Mamelodi Sundowns' 6-0 win against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The PSL match was delayed for an hour after Percy Tau’s 82nd-minute sixth goal sparked a pitch invasion first by Pirates’ fans‚ then those of Sundowns in response‚ resulting in fist-fights‚ violence and injuries.
The players‚ coaching staff and benches of both sides sprinted for the safety of the change-rooms.
After the PSL’s security officials were overwhelmed an SA Police Services armoured vehicle entered the pitch and teargas and stun grenades were fired.
The match resumed after the delay‚ and was completed.
But only after fans were treated for injuries by paramedics on the field.
- READ MORE: Pitch invasion‚ ugly fights and stun grenades break up Sundowns-Pirates PSL match An 82nd-minute pitch invasion by fans of Orlando Pirates‚ sparked by Mamelodi Sundowns’ Percy Tau scoring a sixth unanswered goal led to scenes of chaos‚ punch-ups‚ apparent injuries and teargas fired in Saturday’s Premier Soccer League match at Loftus Versfeld.
In a statement the PSL said: “The Premier Soccer League strongly condemns acts of hooliganism by some of the fans at the Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates Absa Premiership fixture at Loftus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“The League apologises to all the supporters and stakeholders – those we were at the stadium and also those watching on television – who were inconvenienced by what happened.
“Such behaviour at our stadiums is bad advert for our football.
“The match had to be stopped on the 82nd minute by the referee to clear the pitch. Following a meeting between the VOC Commander‚ the Match Commissioner and the two clubs‚ and after carefully assessing the situation‚ a decision was taken to resume play from the 82nd minute.
“The Premier Soccer League is awaiting reports from various stakeholders on what transpired on Saturday afternoon.”
Damage to property ids believed to have included SuperSport and SABC television cameras and cables.
- TMG Digital/TMG Sport
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