Silver players injured in violent clashes

Violence continued to rear its ugly face in the Carlsberg Cup on Sunday when two Silver Strikers players were injured after the quarter-final game against Red Lions in Zomba.

Silver captain Dave Moya and Young Chimodzi Jnr were rushed to Zomba Central Hospital after they were injured as a result of the skirmishes.

The incident occurred at a trading centre near the match venue.

There were also acts of violence after the game between Mighty Wanderers and Blue Eagles at Balaka Stadium the previous afternoon.

According to the Bankers team manager Sibusiso Padambo, Moya and Chimodzi suffered injuries in the head and ribs respectively and were treated as outpatients.

“It was a serious incident because as a result of the fracas, Dave lost a tooth while medical personnel recommended Chimodzi’s admission for further observation.

“However, upon further consultation, they [medical personnel] accepted our request to refer Chimodzi to Kamuzu Central Hospital,” said Padambo.

He said as of Monday morning, the duo’s condition was stable.

Padambo said the fracas started when some fans shouted insults at Silver players who were taking a breather at a superette and in retaliation, hell broke loose as the fans started throwing stones at the players.

“It was at this juncture when one of the fans hit Dave in the face and in retaliation, the players pounced on him, they apprehended him and took him to the police,” said Padambo.

Padambo alleged that it was after this incident that another group of fans stormed into Silver’s team bus and attacked Chimodzi.

Eastern Region Police spokesperson Thomeck Nyaude confirmed the arrest of one fan and said investigations on the matter are still going on.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has described the rising acts of violence as worrisome.

FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said the development has the potential to scare away sponsors.

“We are worried about the growing acts of violence because they could have a bearing on sponsorship,” said Nyirenda.

However, Nyirenda said the issue is still under investigation.

“We will see to it that culprits are brought to book because they are putting the game into disrepute,” warned Nyirenda.

Two weeks ago, there were also acts of violence after the Carlsberg Cup match between Big Bullets and Super Eagles at Mzuzu Stadium.