Rollers charged after Top 8 fracas
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday March 1, 2019 11:40
The match was characterised by confusion and scuffles over the interpretation of the competition’s rules with regard to the application of the away goal.
With Rollers almost heading to the tunnel thinking they had advanced to their second successive final at the end of extra time, things nearly turned violent when it was indicated that the clause on the application of the away goal rule, had not been interpreted correctly. Rollers eventually agreed to go for a penalty shootout with Joel Mogorosi’s sudden penalty miss deciding the exciting fixture. GU won the tie 10-9 to book a final berth against Jwaneng Galaxy in Francistown next week.
The Botswana Premier League (BPL) prosecutor has now slapped Rollers with three counts of misconduct ranging from assaults, threats and bringing the game into disrepute. BPL chief executive officer (CEO), Thabo Ntshinogang confirmed the charges and added that only Rollers have been found to be involved in misconduct on the day.
On count one, the league prosecutor has charged Rollers with bringing the game of football into disrepute contrary to Article 25.6 read with Article 14.1 of the BFA Play Rules and Regulations. They have also been charged with misconduct amounting to assault and threats while count three says they failed to accept and timeously obey instructions, orders and decisions of the referee.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Rollers spokesperson, Bafana Pheto confirmed they received the charges but said they do not understand some of the charges. He said they would sit and prepare their defence so that they deal with the matter accordingly. Rollers also appeared before the BPL disciplinary committee last season following a brawl during the match against Sharps Shooting Stars. Rollers players, Mogorosi and Mthokozisi Msomi were fined P10, 000 each and suspended for several games.