BB fined K400 000
The Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has fined Nyasa Big Bullets K400 000 for violent acts during their TNM Super League match against Azam Tigers on October 23 2016.
The punishment comes barely five weeks after the People’s Team was fined K500 000 by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for pitch invasion during their Fisd Challenge Cup round of 16 match against Silver Strikers.
According to the ruling signed by Sulom general secretary Williams Banda, Bullets were charged with invading the pitch and the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms by their supporters who were led by Fecton Mpini; failure to take precautionary measures to prevent assault on officiating panel by their players, technical officials and supporters and causing disorderliness by throwing stones and ancillary objects towards the pitch and dressing rooms which resulted in the police firing tear gas.
“Article 21.3 of the Sulom Rules and Regulations prescribes a maximum fine of K500 000 for offences like the one in issue. However, we considered the following mitigating factors:
“The normal flow of the match was not disturbed since the match was concluded and there was no report of damages to the facility presented during the hearing. There was no evidence of any bodily harm to any of the officiating officials and this is the first time [Bullets] is facing the charges above this season.
“Thus in line with Article 21 (3) of the Sulom Rules and Regulations, we accordingly fine Nyasa Big Bullets the sum of K400 000. This fine must be paid before [the] club’s next fixture. Failure will lead into forfeiting points in future games,” reads part of the ruling.
It also states that any aggrieved party is free to appeal within 48 hours upon payment of the appeal fee.
Sulom further states that according to its findings, Bullets did not offer any defence to dispute any facts stated in any of the reports presented to the panel.
“But [they] only disowned the mentioned supporters as their members by citing definition membership of the club as per their own constitution. It was Nyasa Big Bullets’ contention that according to their constitution, the only persons recognised by the club as supporters are those who were duly registered.
“However, the constitution that binds all Super League teams including Nyasa Big Bullets is the Sulom constitution. The clubs are also bound by the Sulom Rules and Regulations and Fifa Disciplinary Code.”
Sulom stated that with regard to determination of who a supporter is, Article 21 of its Rules and Regulations, provides that the home team is liable for improper conduct among spectators, regardless of culpable conduct or culpable oversight, and, depending on the situation may be fined and that clubs are responsible for the actions of their supporters, players and officials.
Bullets chairperson Noel Lipipa yesterday said they will react to the ruling today. n
