Miracle Boys raise red flag
Lawrence Moyo
Head Zimpapers Sport
YADAH have serious reservations against visiting Barbourfields on Sunday.
This follows the violence which ruined the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Dynamos and Highlanders on Sunday.
According to the fixture programme, title-chasing Dynamos will also be back at Barbourfields on Saturday, this time as visitors to Bulawayo Chiefs.
Bosso are scheduled to host the Miracle Boys in a Week 23 match.
Yadah have asked to play before an empty Barbourfields or move to a neutral stadium with Bata Stadium in Gweru being their preferred venue.
In an urgent letter to the Premier Soccer League chief executive Kenny Ndebele yesterday, Yadah requested for change of venue.
Ndebele said he had not received a copy of the communication as he was travelling but would respond today once served with the letter.
However, an official with the league revealed that their current position was that it would be wrong to succumb to hooligans and abandon Barbourfields.
“There are football hooligans all over the world and the only way is taking the hooligans head on, you deal with them and not run away from them,” said the official.
Yadah, through their legal advisers, Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners, said the safety and wellbeing of their fans, players, officials and other stakeholders would be compromised.
“Consequent to these unfortunate events, our client is of the firm belief that it will be extremely challenging for it to receive fair treatment from the match officials.
“The psychological impact of the violence, coupled with the lack of accountability for the responsible, casts a shadow of doubt on the objectivity and impartiality of the officiating team that will be in charge of the match in circumstances where Highlanders fans will be in attendance.
“This situation greatly undermines the principles of fair play and jeopardises the integrity of the game.
“Furthermore, our client anticipates that its players will be inhibited from performing to their full potential due to the fear of incensing Highlanders FC supporters.
“The fear could lead to a detrimental effect on their performance, resulting in an unfair competition where the principle of fair play cannot be achieved.”
The lawyers added:
“By selecting a neutral venue, we can ensure a level playing field and create an environment where fair play can be upheld without fear or intimidation.
“This decision would not only safeguard the welfare of players, officials and fans but also preserve the integrity of the game itself.”