PSL, Dynamos to foot US$4k Barbourfields repair bi...

PSL, Dynamos to foot US$4k Barbourfields repair bill

Philemon Jambaya

The Bulawayo City Council has said that the Premier Soccer League and Dynamos, as the host team, are responsible for effecting repair works at Barbourfields Stadium in the wake of violent scenes that erupted during a PSL match between Dynamos and Highlanders FC that was played on September 10, 2023.

The explosive encounter was abandoned in the 38th minute after Highlanders fans began throwing missiles and invading the pitch to protest against what they perceived as unfair decisions by the referee. Police had to intervene to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

BCC has pegged the cost of repairs to the damages caused at US$4 121.

“On Sunday 10 September, 2023, Barbourfields Stadium hosted a match pitting Highlanders Football Club and Dynamos Football Club,” BCC said in a statement.

“However, the match was aborted just less than 40 minutes of play due to crowd trouble.

“This resulted in the vandalism of the facility notably the exit gates, perimeter fence, pitch drainage, fourth match official’s bench and corner flags were stolen.

“The quoted cost of repair of damages was US$4 121.

“The Premier Soccer League and Dynamos, as the host club, had since been advised to effect the repair works as per policy.”

Last month, Dynamos were fined US$3 500 by the PSL, of which US$500 was suspended for a season on condition the club refrains from committing similar offences.