‘BIRDS’ FACE E240K FINE

MBABANE – Violent fans continue to dearly cost teams.

Mbabane Swallows face up to E240 000 in fines, following the ugly scenes in the 1-2 loss to Mbabane Highlanders in this past Saturday’s derby at Mavuso Sports Centre. They are also in danger of playing one of their home games without fans. The capital city giants will suffer this financial setback as their fans contravened multiple sections of the 2022/2023 MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations, after their defeat by their sworn rivals Highlanders edged Swallows 2-1 to hand them their second defeat this season. Chaos engulfed Mavuso Sports Centre after ‘Birds’ fans were disgruntled about their team’s defeat and two disallowed goals on the day.  Among some of offences committed, Swallows stand to be fined not less than E50 000 for referee Thembinkosi Dlamini’s assault as spelled in Article 10 (6.3) in the rules. This charge may be accompanied by other counts of uttering derogatory words to the match officials or threatening by their conduct to assault them.

Article10 (6.1) and (6.6) also talks of a summarily fine of E25 000 for invading the pitch and at least E20 000, for throwing objects in the field of play, respectively. The Premier League of Eswatini prosecution is expected to charge Swallows who are expected to appear before the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee. Swallows further face a E25 000 fine for failure to control fans. The stabbing of the fan is also frowned upon by the rules and the guilty party faces a fine of not less than E25 000. Meanwhile, Mbabane Swallows General Manager Sandile ‘Beyond 2 000’ Zwane’s phone rang unanswered when he was called for comment on the derby chaos.

On another note, Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Football Manager Pat Vilakati said they were aware of the issue, referring all enquiries to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya. The latter said he would not be able to comment until he got the match reports. As per the rules of the game, a referee’s and match commissioner’s report presented in hard copy or through electronic means, is to reach the offices of the PLE by 4pm two days following the match in question. Highlanders’ almost similar case saw them fined E70 000 on top of playing their home game against Tambuti in an empty stadium.

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