The Kaizer Chiefs appeal to the South African Football Association (Safa) regarding the sentence imposed by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) following the rioting and vandalism of Chiefs’ supporters at the recent Supa8 game against Bloemfontein Celtic at the FNB Stadium was on Saturday postponed until Tuesday.
Chiefs pleaded guilty at the initial PSL disciplinary hearing and were ordered to play home games against Mamelodi Sundowns and Black Leopards without spectators. They were also fined R100 000 and a previous suspended fine of R45 000 was brought into effect.
FNB general manager Dennis Mumble estimated the damage caused by Chiefs’ supporters in this matter to be ”between R350 000 and R600 000”.
On Friday, after protracted argument in the Johannesburg High Court, Judge Mohamed Jajbhay ruled in favour of Kaizer Chiefs and postponed their PSL game against Mamelodi Sundowns, which was due to be played at the FNB Stadium on Sunday behind locked doors.
”Like it or not,” said a resigned PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu, ”we will have to abide by Judge Jajbhay’s judgement” — which also determined the PSL will pay the legal costs.
The matter was heard in the High Court following an urgent application by Chiefs.
The PSL prosecutor said Judge Jajbhay’s judgement came as ”a surprise” in view of the fact that he indicated his decision was based on the fact that the appeal should have already been decided.
”Ironically,” added Majavu, ”it was as a result of Chiefs requesting a postponement of the appeal last Sunday that the matter has not been finalised. Now they are benefiting from the postponement themselves.” — Sapa