PSL punishes Pirates for Loftus violence
Last year violence broke out at Loftus when angry Pirates fans stormed the field after their team lost to Downs.
Orlando Pirates have been punished following fan violence at Loftus Versfeld last year.
The violence followed a 6-0 defeat Pirates suffered at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns on 11 February 2017.
On Tuesday, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee ordered Pirates to play two home games behind closed doors as punishment.
“The club must play two home matches in a closed stadium,” the committee said.
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“The implementation of one of these matches has been suspended for a period 24 months.”
Though the decision took over a year, the PSL believes the sanction was fair.
“In the committee’s opinion, the sentence was warranted because of the seriousness of the misconduct,” it said.
“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 committee sitting.
Last year, frustrated and angry Pirates fans stormed the field after their team conceded a 6th goal in the 81st minute against Downs.
Players and coaches of both sides had to leave the field.
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Police had to fire stun grenades to disperse the crowd who were invading the pitch.
About 15 people were reported injured and both clubs were charged by PSL.
In December last year, Pirates were however found guilty, while the league was still yet to announce a verdict on the charges against Sundowns.
Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza earlier condemned the crowd violence.
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