Fans cannot stay home, troubling at entrances
By Isaac Salima:
Some soccer fans seem to be living in denial as they continue flocking to stadiums despite a directive that games should be played behind closed doors as a preventive measure for Covid-19.
The supporters have been causing trouble at entrances by forcing those manning the gates to open for them.
This was the case over the weekend at Kamuzu Stadium during TNM Super League games when reporters and other important officials were denied access into the stadium as some fans wanted to take advantage of them to get into the venue.
Stewards could not open the doors for fear of the supporters who were forcing their way into the stadium whenever a gate was opened for those licensed to be in the stadium.
To make matters worse, no police officers were available outside the stadium to control the situation as only stewards effortlessly battled with the fans.
Super League of Malawi General Secretary Williams Banda said the duty of controlling fans in entrances was left with the stewards.
“Like in the game between [Nyasa Big] Bullets we had 30 police officers but I am told they had agreed to close the gates around 1:30pm to avoid what happened in previous games when fans caused trouble,” Banda said.
Sports Writers Association of Malawi General Secretary Wesyslas Chirwa called on reporters to come in good time when covering the games.
“Much as we condemn what the fans are doing, reporters should also be mindful of time. We always agree on what time the gates will be opened and closed for them so they need to adhere to that. We will engage other stakeholders to help us solve the problem,” he said.
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