The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has fined Highlanders US$6 000 for the violence and hooliganism which marred their match with FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium on 23 April.
The match was awarded to the defending champions on a 3-0 score, the PSL announced on Wednesday. The PSL said:
The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee has released the judgement in the matter involving Highlanders FC following acts of crowd trouble that took place at Mandava Stadium on Saturday 23 April 2022.
The club was found guilty of violating PSL Rules and Regulations and fined a sum of USD 6000-00 (Six Thousand Dollars).
The fine together with the costs of the hearing is to be paid within 15 days from the date of the judgment.
Further, the match has been forfeited and awarded to FC Platinum on a 3 nil score line.
The two teams were level 1-1 when FC Platinum was awarded a penalty by referee Kuzivamwari Jaravaza.
Jaravaza ruled that Highlanders defender Peter Muduhwa had fouled FC Platinum forward Walter Musona inside the penalty box with a few minutes remaining on the clock.
However, Highlanders players and officials contested the decision, arguing that the coming together of the two players had occurred outside the box and therefore merited a free-kick and not a spot-kick.
Highlanders supporters then invaded the pitch in protest, forcing the match officials to abandon the match.
FC Platinum who have been tied on 31 points with Dynamos before the ruling, moved to second in the Premier League with 34 points from 17 matches, one point behind leaders Chicken Inn.
Meanwhile, Highlanders remain in 10th position from 16 matches after amassing 20 points.