The Government through the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has condemned violence that continues to take place at local matches and called on ZIFA to do more to address the issue.

The remarks come after the latest incident of violence at the weekend after the match between Highlanders and Chicken Inn. Highlanders fans invaded the pitch and left a policeman injured in the mayhem.

Addressing the media Minister of Sports and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane stated government was not happy with the situation that continues to surface.

The Ministry would like to state in categorical terms that hooliganism and other forms of violence have no place in football, in particular, and sport in general as it defeats the very well established axioms of sport, i.e. of promoting peace and culture of tolerance said Hlongwane.

Hlongwane also highlighted a number of incidents including the violence that followed Dynamos’ match against FC Platinum where police were forced to use teargas saying it was time ZIFA took decisive action.

ZIFA needs to lead by example and take stern action against the perprators of violence in all the cited incidents and for the Highlanders v Chicken Inn match added Hlongwange.

Meanwhile ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said the association is disappointed to note that despite overwhelming condemnation of violence and punitive measures levelled against clubs and offenders, unruly incidents still occur at premiership matches.

“ZIFA is utterly dismayed by heinous acts of hooliganism that characterised the Chicken Inn Highlanders match at Barbourfields stadium on Sunday.

“These ghastly acts violence must be condemned in no uncertain terms.

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