WEEKEND SPORT: BPL throws out Gunners� protest

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.