Farai Jere’s PSL is again lashing out at the Highlanders over a phantom penalty

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has found Highlanders FC guilty of interrupting the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final match against Simba Bhora on September 22 at the Wadzanyi Stadium in Shamva. The PSL presented the Bulawayo club with a Fine of $6,000 and awarded the match to Simba Bhora with a score of 3-0.

Controversy arose following a disputed penalty decision in the 79th minute, when Simba Bhora were awarded a penalty following a clash between Highlanders player Peter Muduhwa and Simba Bhora’s Tinashe Balakasi. Later video replays showed that the foul occurred outside the penalty area, but referee Cecil Gwezera and his assistant Zonzdzi Ngosana awarded a penalty kick. The Highlanders protested against this decision, which led to the match being interrupted.

The three-member PSL disciplinary committee, which includes chairwoman Doreen Gapare and members Raphael Tsivana and Washington Magaya, determined that the Highlanders were responsible for the interruption of the match. The club was found to have violated Order 8.8 of the Chibuku Super Cup Regulations, which prohibits actions that result in the interruption of a match.

In addition to the $6,000 fine, the Highlanders will only have to pay $2,000 immediately, as the $4,000 fine was suspended on the condition that the club avoids further misconduct for the rest of the season. The club must also cover the costs of the hearing and settle the fine within two weeks.

“The defendant, Highlanders FC, is hereby sentenced to a fine of US$6,000.00. Of this amount, $4,000 is suspended provided the club is not found guilty of any offense that would bring the game of soccer into disrepute for the remainder of the competition. An effective penalty of $2,000 plus court costs will be paid within two weeks of receipt of this judgment. The abandoned match is hereby awarded to Simba Bhora FC with the score being 3-0,” reads the judgment.

This is the second disciplinary action against the Highlanders in recent weeks, following a $6,000 fine for their involvement in a row with fans earlier in the season. Simba Bhora was also given a penalty for being unable to control the crowd during the same match.

The Highlanders received the verdict on Friday, adding to the club’s difficult season as it faces financial and disciplinary problems in addition to its struggles on the pitch.