Soccer fans score tear gas

THOHOYANDOU – BLACK Leopards are awaiting three reports – from the police, the Premier Soccer League and a private security company – after chaos erupted at the Thohoyandou Stadium gate where the public order police used stun grenades to disperse angry spectators.

The stadium was already packed to capacity for the match against Moroka Swallows when hundreds of spectators who also had tickets to the game, attempted to enter.

Police received an order to close all the gates to avoid a stampede. This caused a scuffle which led to some minor injuries.

In the events that unfolded, the public order police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd outside.

Some spectators were allowed to access the stadium during halftime, while others decided to go home with their tickets.

Soccer fanatic, Shumani Mundalamo, with his ticket in his hand, said he was going to demand a refund.

“I was sprayed with pepper spray without having done anything. Nobody explained to us what the situation was,” he said.

He claimed an asthmatic female fan was taken away as she was gasping for air.

Black Leopards spokesperson, Barry Ramunenyiwa confirmed they were waiting for the three reports and said people should be careful to simply point fingers.

He denied that around 5 000 extra tickets had been sold. “We are investigating what happened. We didn’t sell more than 14 000 tickets.

“It was a very big game and some people took advantage of it. We can’t comment further, we must first get a comprehensive report,” Ramunenyiwa said.

A police brigadier who wanted to remain anonymous told CV a report will be submitted to the PSL outlining the risks of having teams play at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

“This stadium doesn’t comply with security measures.

“What is also aggravating the cold is that more tickets were sold whereas there is very limited space.

“We can’t go for money and put people’s lives at risk,” he said.