Africa-Press – Eswatini. Capital City giants Mbabane Swallows could be in hot water with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC).
If found guilty, the team may face a substantial fine exceeding E100 000. The incident in question occurred during their recent match against Illovo at the Mavuso Sports Centre on Saturday. Swallows were held to a goalless draw by the sugar-belt side. During the game, a group of disgruntled Swallows supporters physically assaulted an unidentified man who had thrown a bottle, suspected to contain alcohol, onto the field. The fan was subjected to a severe beating until the intervention of on-duty police officers who brought the situation under control. It is worth noting that the team may not be held responsible for the actions of the fan, as there is no evidence to suggest that he was a Swallows supporter. Therefore, the charge of throwing the container will likely be directed towards the individual responsible. According to the MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations, the act of throwing objects onto the field of play or its surroundings carries a minimum fine of E30 000.
Charges
Mbabane Swallows could potentially face multiple charges in relation to the assault incident. These charges include assaulting a fan or spectator, which carries a minimum fine of E40 000. Additionally, uttering abusive, obscene or derogatory words, spitting, or emitting saliva towards any person is considered an offence and may result in a fine ranging from E10 000 to E30 000. Furthermore, failure to control fans could lead to a minimum fine of E25 000 for Swallows. Committing acts of violence that are not expressly provided for in the rules may result in a fine of not less than E25 000. Moreover, directly or indirectly interrupting, obstructing or disturbing the normal proceedings of a match carries a minimum fine of E20 000.
Lastly, Swallows fans failed to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and engaged in unsporting behaviour, which may attract a minimum fine of E20 000. These are the potential fines and charges that Umkhonto KaShaka may have to contend as a consequence of the incident.
Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge Ngwenya said as management they condemned at all costs the irresponsible behaviour of throwing an object close to the field by one football fan who was seated among Mbabane Swallows supporters. “We pride ourselves with Mbabane Swallows FC supporters as their behaviour has always been the best, hence we have never had any misbehaviour fine since the start of the season 2023/24. We appeal to other football fans who may want to share a stand with eMaswaiswai to behave well and not engage in such acts, as there was no need at all for what transpired. We condemn any acts of violence,” said Ngwenya.
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