‘Birds’ face E65k fine for ref assault

MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows could face fines exceeding E65 000 after being implicated in reports over Saturday’s Mayaluka Stadium chaos.

The ‘Birds’ 1-0 defeat to Ubombo Sugar ended in ugly scenes after referee Njabulo Siphepho awarded a stoppage-time penalty that decided the MTN Premier League opener. According to information gathered by the Times Sports Desk, the match officials’ reports were submitted to the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) yesterday and have implicated Swallows in the incidents that followed the final whistle.

A source close to the incident alleged that a Swallows official assaulted assistant referee Mlondi Sihlongonyane in the face during the disorder, leaving him bleeding.

The source said police officers had to regroup to protect the match officials, but Sihlongonyane had already allegedly been assaulted by the time they intervened.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred along the touchline on the side where Sihlongonyane had been officiating.

Meanwhile, Swallows supporters reportedly entered the field of play after the final whistle and attempted to move towards the match officials. Police officers and some Swallows officials were forced to regroup and form a barrier to prevent the supporters from reaching the officials.

The source said the official allegedly responsible for assaulting Sihlongonyane came from the opposite side, near the touchline where the assistant referee had been stationed. The incident followed a tense finish to a match that had been goalless until the fifth minute of added time.

pot after Swallows Captain Wonderboy Mandlazi was adjudged to have fouled Ubombo’s Majahesibili Ndlovu inside the penalty area.

Mpendulo Ndwandwe converted the penalty to give Ubombo a 1-0 victory and three points. Siphepho was assisted by Sihlongonyane and Celumusa Phiri, with Owethu Steenkamp serving as the fourth official. Jabulani Motsa was the Match Commissioner.

The PLE regulations make match officials’ reports central to the disciplinary process.This means the reports submitted yesterday could form the basis of disciplinary proceedings, should the PLE establish that offences were committed. The alleged assault of Sihlongonyane could be the most serious matter facing Swallows.

Under Article 35.3(e), assaulting a referee, PLE official, player, club official, marshal, supporter or spectator or using excessive force, carries a fine of not less than E40 000 for a Premier league club. The provision also allows for compensation for financial losses incurred by the victim and provides for the suspension of the offender. The alleged pitch invasion could constitute a separate offence.

Under Article 35.3(c), supporters, fans, stewards or spectators invading the pitch before, during or after a match can result in a E25 000 fine for a Premier Division club. The same provision also covers certain provocative or insulting conduct, unbecoming behaviour and conduct that brings the game into disrepute.

Swallows could, therefore, have a potential minimum financial exposure of E65 000 if the alleged assault and pitch invasion are charged separately and both are proven. The figure could rise if additional charges are brought and upheld.

Under Article 35.3(f)(viii), threatening a referee, PLE official, player, club official, marshal, supporter, fan or spectator by conduct or words carries a Premier Division fine of between E10 000 and E30 000, together with possible compensation for financial losses suffered by the victim.

The PLE rules also address a club’s responsibility for maintaining order and protecting match officials from violence, intimidation and abuse before, during and after a match.

The disciplinary committee has powers under Article 37.14 to impose one or a combination of sanctions, including monetary fines, where misconduct has been established. For a member club, the maximum monetary fine under the general disciplinary provision is E100 000. The possible sanctions are not automatically cumulative, however.

Any final punishment will depend on the charges brought by the PLE, the evidence presented before the disciplinary committee and the committee’s findings. Swallows have not been found guilty of any offence at this stage, while the allegations concerning the official and supporters remain subject to the disciplinary process.

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