Police have rubbished claims that gunshots were fired during the chaos that broke out at the Central Region Soccer League match between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium over the weekend.
The game, watched by around 1,400 fans, was called off in the 68th minute after a brawl kicked off in the stands and spilled onto the pitch.
Fans threw stones, some people were stabbed, and players and officials had to take cover as the stadium went into lockdown for three hours.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed there was violence but said no shots were fired. He said:
We can confirm an act of violence during a soccer match between Shabanie Mine and Gwanda Pirates at Maglas Stadium.
There were no shots fired. However, two individuals, Simbarashe Zifungo (36) and Victor Pachawo (39), were injured. Their vehicles were also damaged.
Tensions boiled over after a string of dodgy refereeing decisions, including a reversed penalty, seemed to push the home fans over the edge.
Gwanda Pirates said their players and officials were left exposed, blaming Shabanie Mine for not providing proper security.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has condemned the violence and said a full investigation is now underway.
The Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) also slammed the scenes and promised firm disciplinary action.
In the chaos, Gwanda Pirates’ team bus and media van were also vandalised.
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