By Rex Mphisa
A football match between Hardrock FC at home against Dynamos FC was on Sunday abandoned due to crowd trouble after a disputed penalty.
Several fans were injured in fights between fans that erupted when a falling Dynamos was adjudged to have handled in the box.
“The Premier Soccer League wishes to advise its stakeholders that the Castle Lager PSL match between Hardrock FC and Dynamos FC played at Chahwanda Stadium on Sunday 24 May 2026 was abandoned,” PSL communications and Media Liaison officer Kudzai Bare wrote in a letter circulated on social media.
“We await the Match Officials’ reports on this matter for determination according to the PSL rules and regulations. Both clubs will also be requested to submit written reports on the events that transpired,” he said.
He said the PSL strongly condemns any acts of misconduct at our events and those found guilty will face the full extent of the prescribed penalties.
“The PSL regrets any inconvenience caused to its members, stakeholders and partners,” he said advising no further statements would be issued until all relevant match reports are received.
Fans on social media argued about the penalty with most suggesting referees should be held accountable for any trouble, injuries or deaths that may occur as a result of poor officiating.
In videos of match a Dynamos player already in a falling position had a ball kicked to his hands and according to the official IFAB Laws of the Game, it is not a penalty if the ball accidentally hits a player’s hand or arm while they are falling, provided that the hand/arm is being used to support the body and is in a natural position.