The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee (PSL DC) has fined Orlando Pirates R200,000 for the Peter Mokaba stadium pitch invasion after MTN8 semi-final second leg.
Pirates fans invaded the pitch in celebration after the Buccaneers beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 to reach the final.
PSL Prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed that the club pleaded guilty and fined R200 000, of which R100 000 is suspended.
“I can confirm that Orlando Pirates Football Club earlier this morning appeared before the PSL DC to answer to spectator misbehaviour, in that there were spectators or fans or supporters invaded a pitch after the final whistle at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on the 22 October 2022,” Majavu said.
“They pleaded guilty as charged and in the result in having listened to the submissions by both parties’ representatives, the PSL DC sanctioned them as follows:
- A monetary fine in the amount R200 000, half of which is suspended for a period of 24 months from today on condition that for the next 24 months they are not found guilty of the same offence again.
- Effectively they would have to pay R100 000 plus 50% of the DC hearing costs for today.
“I wish to make a plea to the fans out there as the PSL prosecution authority to refrain from behaving in a manner that will land the teams they claim to love in hot water, because according to the rules of the league that amounts to strict liability and it doesn’t matter how many fans invade the pitch – even one fan who unlawfully invades the pitch can land their respective clubs in serious trouble, which can result in successive fines.
“This can hardly be good for the interest of football, especially the club that you claim to support. We are therefor calling on everybody to respect the ruled of the league and enjoy the sport without causing any unnecessary distractions.”
Written by: Diski Voice
