Watch: Chaos as rival soccer fans involved in violent clash in KZN
Paramedics took cover behind their ambulance with a bullet hitting the ambulance, narrowly missing a paramedic's head.
A soccer match last night between a team from KwaZulu-Natal and another from North West at the Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermartizburg erupted in chaos as local fans were not happy with the final score.
According to Safa uMgungundlovu President Musa Zondi, Msinga United lost 1- 0 to Orbit FC from North West during a semi-final match.
After the game Msinga FC supporters invaded the pitch after damaging the fence near the stadium tunnel to gain entrance to the pitch. Match officials were chased around and manhandled.
The SAPS and Msunduzi Municipality officers intervened to calm the situation.
Match officials were whisked away to safety and a criminal case will be opened wherein a lot of Msinga FC supporters are expected to be charged.
WATCH: Here is the incident where violent fans of Umsinga United FC opened fire on officials and players after their loss to Orbit College FC. The ABC Motsepe League playoff game was played at Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg today. Video: Siboniso Mqadi/Inanda FM pic.twitter.com/clWPKVNAOu
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) June 9, 2023
“I’m very disappointed with uMsinga supporters’ behaviour,” says Zondi. “So far, we had this tournament going so smoothly and without any headaches, and now this. This is unacceptable and heads must roll.”
Sport confederation condemns ‘lack of dicipline’
The uMgungundlovu Sport Confederation chairperson Mhlengi Maxase says the incident was a blow to local soccer and the culprits must be taken to task for their lack of discipline and criminal behaviour.
Craig Botha of KwaZulu Private Events Management says their employees at the match experienced a horrifying and near fatal shootout at Harry Gwala stadium.
“Following the end of a soccer match, spectators’ disapproval of the final score resulted in bottles being thrown onto the soccer field. Shortly afterwards, a single gunshot was heard, followed by a barrage of gunfire. Medics quickly took cover behind their ambulance.”
WATCH: Ngigeza izandla ngabantu base Msinga and their Umsinga United FC. These fans and their team should be banned from football. They are a danger to society. pic.twitter.com/EZIpAeIIN3
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) June 9, 2023
‘As one of the medics was taking cover, a bullet impacted the ambulance, narrowly missing the medic’s head.’
“Thankfully, no one was injured during this rampage,” says Botha.
*Additional reporting by Lethiwe Makhanya.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
