Kaizer Chiefs to play Polokwane City behind closed doors despite lodging appeal

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that they will play their next home league match against Polokwane City behind closed doors.

Amakhosi were ordered to play at least two home matches without their fans as part of punishment for the ugly scenes which were witnessed at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in April this year when hundreds of fans invaded the pitch and damaged stadium and camera equipment among other things. 

The club has since appealed the PSL DC ruling, but in terms of the rules, their appeal doesn't suspend the order of the PSL DC.  

According to rule 24.3 of the Rules of the League, “An appeal against an order of the Disciplinary Committee or the Dispute Resolution Chamber will not suspend the operation of that order pending the finalisation of any appeal or arbitration in respect of that order.”

It is for this reason the Soweto giants have confirmed that the Polokwane City match which is scheduled to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, October 6, will be played behind closed doors. 

"Therefore, despite the club’s abovementioned appeal, the order of the Disciplinary Committee in this matter remains in operation pending the outcome of the appeal or any arbitration process that may follow the appeal," said part of the statement released by Chiefs. 

Chiefs warned supporters that no tickets will be sold for the encounter in Durban.

The club however, confirmed that the match will be broadcast live on Television, meaning their fans will not miss the action altogether. 

Late last season, Chiefs rivals Orlando Pirates had to play behind closed doors at the Orlando Stadium after being found guilty of a similar offence in their 6-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in February 2017. 

It took the PSL DC over a year to resolve the matter, and Pirates were finally told to play Bidvest Wits without the backing of their supporters out in the stands.