Police disperse angry CAPS United crowd

nter five minutes from time.
The two teams were deadlocked at 1-1 when controversial Masvingo referee Godfrey Gombwe pointed to the spot after David Kutyauripo handled in the box. The decision did not go down well with CAPS United followers, who started throwing missiles onto the pitch as Obadiah Tarumbwa stepped up to take the spot-kick.
The Bulawayo giants had to reinforce their security as more riot police officers were called in to quell the disturbances.
While riot police were dispersing the fans, the match officials and CAPS United players left for the changing rooms. They immediately changed into their own clothes, resulting in the abandonment of the match.
Asked why his players had left the field of play, CAPS United owner Twine Phiri said that the referee had instructed them to leave the pitch.
“How can we proceed with the match when the referees have already changed (clothes)? The referee told us to leave the pitch,” Phiri said.
However, Gombwe told Highlanders officials and journalists that the CAPS United goalkeeper (Energy Murambadoro) had refused to return to the pitch, saying he feared for his safety. Premier Soccer league fixtures secretary Godfrey Japajapa was also present.
“We have asked the CAPS United goalkeeper to go back to the pitch so that the match can resume. He said he was stoned thrice and has refused to play,” Gombwe said.
Japajapa refused to comment. “I cannot comment,” was all he would say. PSL secretary general Kennedy Ndebele also refused to comment.
It could not be established whether there were any injuries. However, a woman lost consciousness during the chaos and was carried to safety by two men.
On 16 July 2004, violent scenes marred a league match pitting the two teams. Ralph Matema, who was playing his first home game for Bosso, had been red-carded. The Orlando Pirates striker had scored two of the Bulawayo giants’ two goals in the match that ended in a 3-3 draw.