WEEKEND SPORT: BPL throws out Gunners� protest
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday April 17, 2014 14:03
The tie will take place tomorrow in Selebi-Phikwe after the Botswana Premier League (BPL) board threw out Gunners’ protest yesterday. The game was switched to the copper-mining town after violence broke out in Gunners’ home match against another title contender, Gaborone United in Lobatse last weekend. Trouble started after GU scored the first goal en-route to a 2-0 win and several fans were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. BPL reacted summoning Gunners for a disciplinary hearing next Tuesday and moving tomorrow’s game to Selebi-Phikwe.
Gunners challenged the decision to switch the game, saying that it is too harsh for both sides. However, the BPL board said yesterday that the safety of spectators is not guaranteed in Lobatse, hence the game must be played in Selebi-Phikwe. BPL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi explained that besides security fears, use of the Lobatse Stadium is restricted by its owners who say it can only host one match per weekend. Already, BMC is scheduled to host Motlakase Power Dynamos at the venue tomorrow.
To ensure that things run smoothly in Selebi-Phikwe, Mamelodi said their head of security and logistics, Joseph Moakofi will oversee the Rollers-Gunners duel in collaboration with Botswana Football Association (BFA) official, Tebro Onkabetse. He stated that there will be no trophy presentation this weekend even if a champion emerges. Rollers are likely to be confirmed champions if they win tomorrow and their rivals, BDF XI and GU falter. Mamelodi said they have decided to crown the champions in the last games of the season.