. Chabinga

By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
‘MIGHTY’ Mufulira Wanderers Coach Manfred Chabinga says the continued attacks on match officials by unruly fans is denting the image of football and should come to an end.
His comments come in a wake of the ugly scenes that characterised the MTN-FAZ Super Division Week 21 match between Power Dynamos and Wanderers on Saturday at Kafubu Stadium that forced referee Audrick Nkole to abandon proceedings for 10 minutes.
The fracas ensued after Lameck Silwaba’s 70th minute goal put Wanderers in the lead with Power fans protesting that the goal came from an offside position.
Chabinga, who refused to be drawn into the offside debate, said in an interview that attacking referees was uncalled for in football and that there was need for all stakeholders to respect the decisions of match officials.
“It is unfortunate that fans have continued to attack referees, I think this should come to an end, people should allow match officials to operate freely without fear. Such scenes will damage the image of football,” Chabinga said.
Power secretary Ricky Mamfunda said it was sad that the Kitwe giants were being portrayed as a violent team.
“This is not the first game we are losing and it will not be the last, so I think it is not right to portray Power as a violent club, we are going to wait for the referee’s report before we make a comment,” Mamfunda said.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communications manager Nkweto Tembwe has called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in curbing violence during games.
Tembwe said yesterday that curbing violence at matches was a responsibility of all clubs and that Football House will not take kindly to any club, official or fan to be found wanting of perpetrating violence during matches.
“Let everyone be responsible in ensuring scenes of violence during matches are brought to an end. As FAZ we would like to reiterate that we will not tolerate violence in football,” Tembwe said.