Late penalty mayhem forces FC Platinum-Dynamos match abandonment
Simba Bhora soar top as Ngezi Platinum end MWOS' unbeaten run
By Auther Chimbgwa
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Match Day 17 clash between FC Platinum and Dynamos was abandoned after 85 minutes when the rivals were tied 1-1 following a vehemently disputed penalty decision made in favour of the hosts by the referee of the day.
Earlier, Vusa Ngwenya put Dynamos ahead after five minutes but FC Platinum replied after 48 minutes with an effort by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.
With the clash seemingly headed for a stalemate, an FC Platinum striker appeared to have been fouled by Emmanuel Jalai in the penalty box resulting in the referee Trinity Dirwai pointing to the spot.
Dynamos players disputed the decision and refused to have the penalty taken.
The PSL, in a statement, said it would make a determination “according to the PSL rules and regulations” after the match officials and the two clubs present statements on their account of the incident.
“The PSL strongly condemns any acts of misconduct that lead to the abandonment of matches and those found guilty will face the full wrath of the prescribed penalties.
“The PSL regrets any inconvenience caused to its members, stakeholders and partners,” PSL said.
It is the second match inside a month to be abandoned after a penalty mayhem awarded late in the match.
The premiership clash between Scottland and Chicken Inn at Rufaro was abandoned at the stroke of full time in May after Chicken Inn players confronted the referee for awarding what they argued was an illegitimate penalty to the home team.
Coincidentally, it was the same referee – Trinity Dirwai – who was officiating.
Meanwhile, in matches played on Sunday, Ngezi Platinum finally ended MWOS’s unbeaten run at Baobab stadium when they clobbered the Norton based side 3-1.
Elsewhere, champions Simba Bhora took full advantage of MWOS’s slip-up when they beat Yadah 1-0 at the Heart stadium to claim top spot on the league table.
League punchbags Triangle ran riot at Gibbo stadium when they demolished Green Fuel 5-1 in a Manicaland derby.
Caps United’s resurgence under the tutelage of Zambian gaffer Ian Bakala continued when they dispatched Kwekwe United 2-0, and now lie comfortably 11th on the log table.
Highlanders and Chicken Inn played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw at Barbourfields stadium in the famed Bulawayo derby.
In Saturday’s matches, TelOne had no respect for star-studded Scottland who they beat 1-0 to displace them from third on the log table.
TelOne now have 28 points. The moneybags are now number four with 27 points, but look certain to be awarded their abandoned match against Chicken Inn on a 3-0 scoreline.
Bikita Minerals registered a crucial 1-0 win against Manica Diamonds whilst Herentals and ZPC Kariba were involved in a goalless draw.
