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FANDEMONIUM: Mamelodi Sundowns supporters show their disapproval of the tactics used by the side. Photo: Gallo Images

RESCUED: Sundowns coach Johan Neeskens

 We are considering a number of ways, including introducing stiff penalties such as individual bans, naming and/or showing pictures of those responsible for instigating unruly behaviour at the stadiums 

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Yesterday, the league threatened to clamp down on supporters who disrupt matches in attempts to voice their displeasure with their teams' performances. Individuals could be handed lengthy bans from stadiums, the PSL said.

"Following the incidents and unruly behaviour at our stadiums during the last few weeks, we have decided to take tough measures to stop this behaviour by a faction of supporters at our games," said PSL head of stakeholders and communications Connie Motshumi.

"We are considering a number of ways, including introducing stiff penalties such as individual bans, naming and/or showing pictures of those responsible for instigating unruly behaviour at the stadiums."

The new stance taken by the league comes after disturbing scenes at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday where Mamelodi Sundowns hosted Maritzburg United for their third Absa Premiership match of the season.

Sundowns suffered a shock 2-1 defeat, prompting irate fans to call for coach Johan Neeskens to be fired as they tried to force their way onto the pitch.

The Sundowns supporters chanted former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane's name, suggesting that he should be next in charge. The police had to be called in, with Neeskens escorted out of the venue.

The scenes in Atteridgeville came on the back of two alarming incidents in local football over the past two weeks.

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will face a PSL disciplinary hearing on Friday because their supporters have been accused of throwing objects, including firecrackers, onto the pitch after their exit from the MTN8.

Responding to chants that he should pack his bags, Sundowns coach Neeskens said he understood the supporters' frustration.

"I think like everybody I am frustrated and disappointed that we lost. (But) if the fans think there should be another coach, then that is up to the board. I will continue to fight, I want to come out of this. But I can't do it alone, I need all the support and my players need to take responsibility," the Dutchman said.

Sundowns fans are used to resorting to violent antics, hoping that that will result in the coach being sacked by club president, Patrice Motsepe. And he's often heeded their appeals.

Henri Michel left the same venue in a police van in 2009 when the angry mob demanded his resignation. Antonio Lopez Habas, now at Bidvest Wits, vacated his post at Sundowns in similar fashion in January last year.

Comments

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Thu Jun 20 06:52:39 SAST 2013 ::

Sep 4, 2012

Papage

That Fat guy who pulled the gate down is my neighbour, ask me I will take you where he lives. We are sick and tired of elderly people behaving like thugs. Football is our lifes, we don't like it, but Love it, please if you dont have a heart to take a defeat, get out of our beautiful game, it is not for the fait hearted, so please get a life. What will your children say when they see an elderly Father doing that to the game? shame Sdodla, get out. For those supporters who took it like a man, big up to you, we lost fair and squere, we were beaten by a good side, congradulation to Marisburg United.
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Sep 4, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

He he he he he this proves that money can play soccer and change hooligans who are tired of loosing!!
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Sep 4, 2012

Bhali

It cost a lot of money to support soccer teams. Ticket prices, travelling costs, refreshments, and emotions are all lost when the games are supported. So PSL, referees, players and coaches, you probably have no idea what supporters go through when games are lost.
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Sep 4, 2012

Mhungumbye

Indeed an eye cannot see itself, barely a week after Sunflops were defending Mbombela FC supporters for misbehaving now they are founding themselves in the same predicament which was even worse compared to that of DTC one.
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Sep 4, 2012

Buc4life

G Morning all
@Bhali
It cost a lot of money to support soccer teams. Ticket prices, travelling costs, refreshments, and emotions are all lost when the games are supported. So PSL, referees, players and coaches, you probably have no idea what supporters go through when games are lost.
...................
Yes, there is dissapointment when a team loses, but supporters have no right whatsoever to do what they do. We spend our money voluntarily, so to do funny things just because my team loses, is just not on. No team wins forever. At some stage the team will lose. I mean, players are human beings, and so are coaches. That a coach must be escourted of the field by the police is sickening. That fans throw fire crackers because their team loses is not on. I agree that these type of fans must be banned from stadiums. Our beloved teams cannot continue to be dragged through the mud my hooligans who call themselves supporters.

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Sep 4, 2012

Bizzabo

Arrghh, ba claimer...they cant deal with simple dagga at the stadium and now they want to ban people. I'll wait and see.

I do not condone violent behavior but jerrrr, sure it can be frustrating for those Sunflops supporters maan!
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Sep 4, 2012

Siya5297

@Bhali u spot on broer

the fustrating thing at sundowns is formation that the team is playing and everyone can see the formation is not yielding any results but the coach is sticking to it. Even the substitutions of our coach live a lot to be desired, the simple thying I want is to see sundowns playing the 4-4-2 formation not this 4-5-1 of the drunk guy. Me as a sundowns fan Neeskens found me supporting this team and he must leave me with my team so he must go.

As for Pitso, I want to ask Sundowns fans what has Pitso achieved? I just know him as one of fortunately action employees
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Sep 4, 2012

Bizzabo

Bhali

well you left out all the shirts we buy...home and away.
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Sep 4, 2012

NICEBOOBS

Now Sundunudunu wants Pitso to be their next coach hahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahah
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Sep 4, 2012

Mr_President

I think banning, naming and shaming these hooligans will teach soccer fans one or too lessons and will in a way reduce violent behavior at stadiums. Imaginge you go to stadium and at the entrence they put RATEX's picture in A3 size and named: Mbombela HOOLIGAN? I dare you will never want to do anything stupid in the future. LOL

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