Soweto Derby Faces Possible Fan Lockout?

The much anticipated Soweto derby clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is under threat of being played behind closed doors after Amakhosi were charged for spectator misbehaviour for a third time this season.

The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee (PSL DC) prosecutor Advocate Zola Majavu confirmed on Monday that he had “preferred charges of spectator misbehaviour and unruly conduct against Kaizer Chiefs as a sequel to what transpired in their recent match against AmaZulu”.

The charges relate to Chiefs supporters throwing missiles onto the pitch at FNB Stadium on Saturday after their defeat to Usuthu in the Carling Knockout last 16 clash.

This is the third time in two months that Chiefs have been charged with spectator misbehaviour, with the PSL DC ordering that they face an automatic spectator ban at their next match if they are found guilty of the same offence in the next six months.

Chiefs will appear before the PSL DC next Tuesday on 31 October, and this could mean that their next home game against Cape Town Spurs on 8 November, as well as the Soweto derby against Pirates on 11 November, could be played behind closed doors.

The outcome of the PSL DC hearing next Tuesday will reveal how many games Amakhosi supporters could be locked out for, with the derby against arch-rivals the Buccaneers in particular at risk of being played in an empty stadium.

If Chiefs appeal the outcome of the DC and the legal case is not finalized before they take on Spurs on 8 November, in case they are facing just a one match spectator ban, the Soweto derby could also be in danger of being played in an empty stadium.