The most beautiful game: Highlanders fans carrying a mock coffin
By Tinashe Javangwe
Violence broke out at Barbourfields stadium yesterday during a match between Dynamos and Highlanders, forcing the referee to abandon the match after only 36 minutes of play.
Dynamos was comfortably leading 2 nil courtesy of beautiful goals from Keith Madera and Frank Makarati when fans reacted angrily to the referee’s decision to continue play after a supposed foul on a Highlanders player.
This was just after Dynamos second goal.
The angry Highlanders fans in the Soweto End threw missiles before invading the pitch, forcing players and coaching staff to take refuge in the dressing room.
After a lengthy stoppage, a decision to abandon the match was made. The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee will decide the outcome of the match and will impose fines to the team whose fans were responsible for the violence.
Police controlling the fans had a torrid time and at some point had to retreat into the tunnel after the mob charged towards them with missiles.
Some fans were injured but there are no reports of players, match officials and coaching staff who were injured.
Highlanders, who have enjoyed a fine run this season, with a 19 match unbeaten run, came into the battle of Zimbabwe after two consecutive losses – against FC Platinum and Chicken Inn.
On the other hand, Dynamos has struggled for consistency this season but seems to have turned the curve after the appointment of Genesis Mangombe as the interim coach.
Dembare is hosting home matches in Bulawayo due to the unavailability of football venues in Harare.
