"We should root out this evil before it becomes a monster" - Kirsten Nematandani

The South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Kirsten Nematandani, has  spoken out strongly against the growing incidents of hooliganism within South African football, saying this disturbing development should be eliminated without delay.

The SAFA President issued a statement to say he was extremely concerned at the incidents of unruly crowd behaviour at football matches of late. Only on Sunday, irate Mamelodi Sundowns supporters tore down barriers and knocked down the club dugout in protest against losing 2-0 to Moroka Swallows at Dobsonville Stadium.

There have also been other incidents of crowd trouble in high-profile matches lately, and the SAFA President urged clubs and the League to root out this rising scourge by educating their supporters. He also recommended clubs to identify the perpetrators and mete out the harshest punishment.

“Most people go to watch soccer as a source of entertainment with their families, and they need to be protected from these thugs.  SAFA condemns this unruly behaviour unconditionally.  Football supporters should learn to respect the outcome of any game,” he said.

“We can’t allow people to take the law into their own hands, because by so doing they are destroying the 2010 legacy.  These unpleasant images are viewed across the globe.  They are denting the image of football in the country, hence we say NO to hooliganism.”

“The league should go through all available footage and ban for life those involved in such dangerous and unruly behaviour. We should root out this evil before it becomes a monster,” added Nematandani.