Jubilant Chipolopolo fans reacted by throwing an assortment of objects which included plastic bottles and empty cans of beer onto the pitch as Zambia thrashed Lesotho 4-0.
If this action by some fans is repeated this Saturday when the Chipolopolo face Sudan in another Group D World Cup qualifier at the same venue, Zambia will risk playing behind closed doors at home in future international engagements.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) treasurer, Kelvin Mutafu, who confirmed the FIFA fine, made a passionate appeal to soccer fans to celebrate with dignity and honour during the Sudan match.
Mutafu said FAZ expected the fans to exhibit their best behaviour during the last home game of the Brazil qualifiers in this round against Sudan and refrain from throwing objects whenever the Chipolopolo score.
In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mutafu advised fans to be mindful of the consequences of such behaviour, warning that unruly fans risked being thrown out of the stadium.
He also warned against smuggling of alcohol in the standium, saying those found wanting would be dealt with by the police.
“Throwing of bottles and pouring of beer on others will not be permitted this weekend as no alcohol will be allowed into the stadium,” he said.
Mutafu said fans should be aware that if they continued celebrating by throwing missiles on the pitch, Zambia risked playing home games before empty stands and even suffering further sanctions from FIFA.
And in a statement released yesterday, FAZ spokesperson Erick Mwanza advised fans to be cautious of the FIFA sanctions and avoid throwing plastic water bottles in the stands and running track.
Mwanza said such celebratory performances, as seen during last Saturday’s match against Lesotho would be mistaken for hooliganism.
Mwanza said there were better ways of expressing joy or celebrating a goal than throwing empty water bottles in the stands or track.
“We all need to be responsible for safeguarding our infrastructure and our continued enjoyment of such modern facilities as the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium can only be guaranteed if we guard them jealously. We should also engage in activities and celebrations that may not raise unnecessary alarm, but adhere to the rules and regulations that govern events hosted at such arenas,” Mwanza said.
By:times.co.zm
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