Motsepe speaks out on unruly fans

Mamelodi Sundowns owner, Patrice Motsepe, has for the first time commented publicly on the violent and unruly behaviour of his club’s supporters at the Dobsonville Stadium two weeks ago, where the Brazilians lost to Moroka Swallows in a league match.

After the expensively assembled and star-studded, yet apathetic, lacklustre and under-performing Sundowns were clobbered 2-0 by the Dube Birds, irate fans went on the rampage baying for coach Johann Neeskens’ blood. The embattled coach had to be escorted out of the stadium by security.

In the process, the frustrated Sundowns supporters ripped off seats and destroyed fences, leaving Swallows, the home team, with a R26 000 repairs bill.
Motsepe believes football authorities and other concerned institutions should maximise efforts to educate supporters about the reality of fluctuating performances that can affect any football team.

“We have to educate our supporters that they must be happy when we win, but also take losses with the dignity. There is no team in the world that does not perform poorly at some point. ”

Motsepe said there was no football team in the world which has not experienced a dry spell, and football supporters should be prepared to support their team even during difficult times.

Police have arrested three suspects in relation to the fan misconduct and hooliganism, and both stadium management and Sundowns Football Club have laid criminal charges against them. Should they be found guilty, they will be banned from attending matches in future.

Those arrested were identified on surveillance footage taken during the match.

PSL general manager of safety and security, Phillip Masimong, said the PSL was pleased with the arrests.
“When we said we will bring those responsible to book last week, some people thought we were just making threats. We are serious about this. We want to make sure that our stadiums are safe so that people can bring their families to watch football.”

Motsepe said he was in full support of the action taken against the perpetrators.

“We are part of the PSL and we support all its rules and regulations and, more importantly, we have to support initiatives that are aimed at fostering responsible behaviour among all our people. We are 100 percent behind the initiatives apart from the pertinent obligations,” said Motsepe.