PSL could ban vuvuzelas

Johannesburg - Vuvuzelas could be banned by the Premier Soccer League if supporters continue to use them as missiles by throwing them onto the pitch during matches, PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu said on Thursday.

"It is only my opinion, but if this trend continues we will have to act more strongly," he said.

Majavu was appearing alongside Kaizer Chiefs' chairperson Kaizer Motaung, who apologised for fans throwing two vuvuzelas and a cabbage onto the field during Amakhosi's MTN8 semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on September 26.

Motaung said he was not in favour of vuvuzelas at matches.

"Vuvuzelas take something away from our games. To me, vuvuzelas are just a noisy thing people like, but I prefer to watch fans like Bloemfontein Celtic sing and dance and support their team.

"Also, vuvuzelas can be used to bring things into the stadium, but that is just my opinion," he said.

Majavu had ordered Motaung to address the media as part of Chiefs' punishment for their fans' behaviour.

Chiefs were found guilty of failing to control their fans and were fined R500 000 which was wholly suspended.

"If a Chiefs fan as much as throws a piece of bread onto the pitch, Chiefs will forfeit R500 000," Majavu warned.

In a statement, Motaung apologised for the harm caused by "the offending individuals".

"These misdemeanours are serious as they impact on the reputation of South African soccer in general and Kaizer Chiefs in particular," he said.

"We have repeatedly called for restraint and urged supporters and fans to consider the consequences of their actions in stadiums, yet it seems a small group of individuals are intent on bringing Chiefs into disrepute."

If they were true Chiefs fans, they would not act this irresponsibly, Motaung said.

"Over the past few years, Chiefs have repeatedly been called to account for the misdemeanours of their fans and in all instances we have apologised unreservedly.

"We are, however, concerned about the growing trend of hooliganism which undermines the image of soccer and our own reputation which has successfully been built of the values of love and peace over 40 years."

He said Chiefs were committed to combating the behaviour holding soccer to ransom.

Motaung and Majavu stressed the need for authorities and clubs to collaborate on the creation of structures which would prevent future bad behaviour at stadiums.

"It is not just a Chiefs problem, but more widespread," said Motaung.

Majavu said the PSL should not be scared to review their disciplinary rules and change them.

He said this was Chiefs' eighth conviction on the same charge; Pirates had five, and Mamelodi Sundowns had six convictions for crowd misbehaviour.

"I am sick and tired of prosecuting clubs for the same crimes. Something needs to be done. Fines are not the answer and the authorities need to come up with better solutions to (stamp) out hooliganism at stadiums," said Majavu.