Epac to stop using Silver Stadium due to violence

The violence that erupted on Saturday during a TNM Super League match between Epac FC and Silver Strikers has forced Epac management to stop using the venue as its home ground, Nation Online has learnt.

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) recognises Silver Stadium as home ground for both Epac and Silver.

“It is wise and safe not to maintain using Silver Stadium as our home ground in the wake of violence on Saturday. They (Silver fans) thought we would give them the game just because we use their ground. We are a serious team with serious ambitions and cannot be influenced,” said Epac owner Dean Josiah Banda who was also on the receiving end of the violence which overshadowed the 1-1 draw.

Just a minute into the game, an Epac official allegedly beat up a Silver supporter over suspicion that he was practising juju.

Fans clad in Silver colours at the VIP retaliated by manhandling Josiah Banda who was watching the game from there. Silver board chairperson Kelvin M’mangisa had to intervene.

Things got ugly in the 70th minute after Bright Phiri equalised for Epac.

The goal triggered violence as fans in Silver colours started pelting celebrating Epac players and supporters who were sitting in the adjacent stand with stones.

It became uglier and caused stampede which lasted for over six minutes.

By the time police intervened, hordes of fans had sustained injuries and two stands were empty as fans ran for their dear lives.

Police are yet to give the list of fans injured.

In a related development, Sulom disciplinary committee were meeting last evening to discuss the violence after Epac lodged a complaint.