FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will not challenge Super League of Malawi (Sulom)’s punishment, having been slapped with a K2.3 million fine on two counts.
Bullets were charged with two counts of failure to control actions of supporters and bringing the game into disrepute following acts of violence that marred the team’s match against Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on June 2 this year.
The team’s fans went on rampage after Silver’s substitute Chinsinsi Maonga scored a late winner, generating celebrations while some irate Bullets’ fans reacted angrily by pelting the pitch with objects.
Following the fracas, which started in the 90th minute, referee Gift Chicco blew the final whistle after security personnel had tried to quell the situation.
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Realising impending danger, Bullets went on an image-cleaning exercise by apologising to Silver, condemning the incident and paying K6 million for Silver bus repairs.
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In a statement released on Sunday, Sulom indicated that Bullets were remorseful.
“FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were remorseful during the hearing and accepted the charges with ease. This acted as a mitigation [factor] alongside other factors that included Bullets’ formal apology to Silver Strikers and the payment of K6 million for the maintenance of the bus, the truce with Silver Strikers’ supporters and returning of confiscated drums, training their own stewards to be assisting the team with security issues and conducting investigations to apprehend those that perpetrated violence on 2nd June 2024 at Kamuzu Stadium,” the statement reads.
Bullets acting Chief Executive Officer Albert Chigoga said they respect the verdict.
“We will comply accordingly. The regulator has completed its process. We, as a club, also have our own way of dealing with internal issues,” Chigoga said.
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Recently, Chigoga pleaded with Bullets’ supporters not to get carried away with emotions, saying the money which has been used would have helped the team in other areas.
On his part, Silver Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba refused to comment on the punishment but stated that Bullets cooperated with them and others.
“The K6 million figure was mutually agreed. The damage that was done to the bus was done by people who do not like sports.
“From the onset, Bullets management made sure that we were taken care of, even facilitating that we leave the stadium without problems,” Chimimba said.
