Gaborone derby descends into chaos

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Gaborone derby descends into chaos
Gaborone derby descends into chaos

Africa-Press – Botswana. The much anticipated Gaborone derby between Township Rollers and Gaborone United (GU) descended into chaos before and after the match as ugly scenes marred what was supposed to be Botswana Premier League (BPL) match of the week.

On Saturday afternoon, the Royal Aria Stadium hosted the top of the table clash between the city rivals in a match that was expected to have a say in the championship race with just over a third round of league games.

As expected, the match was always going to attract larger crowd considering the magnitude of the game as well as the fact that it was not broadcast live on television.

A choice of the venue was questioned as thousands supporters thronged the 8,000 capacity venue just less than a hour before kick off time. The long queues formed outside the stadium as many supporters had exercised an option to buy tickets before the match day. By the kick off time, 4pm, a large number of football lovers were trapped outside the arena as tickets had been sold out.

A commotion started between the fans and the security personnel. With ratio, favoring the impatient football fans, the tussle led to fans pushing the gate and forcing themselves into the stadium. The situation was eventually controlled as some of the spectators had to sit in the most awkward places like on top of the stands. Fortunately, the match progressed without interruption.

However, by full time, match officials, players and coaches had to be escorted into dressing rooms as supporters ran into the pitch. The routine media post match interviews were also heavily disrupted.

Yesterday morning, the Botswana Football League chairman, Nicholas Zakhem condemned the supporters for handling themselves ‘dishonorably’ during the match. “The Botswana Football League condemns and warn supporters against unsporting behavior displayed during Township Rollers vs Gaborone United match yesterday (19 February 2022) at the Royal Aria Stadium.

The concerned supporters conducted themselves dishonorably by pushing the gates against security and almost caused stampede in the ensuing chaos which almost brought the BFL and the beautiful game in to disrepute,” Zakhem said in a statement. He further stated that the BFL has opened an investigation into fracas while he warned clubs on spectator behavior education. The tie had largest number of spectators since local football returned with a estimated number of around 10,000 spectators in the arena.

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