Chaos at Nujoma Stadium

CHAOS erupted at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Friday evening between security officials and some spectators after a premiership match between Ramblers and Black Africa was called off at the last minute.

The spectators demanded their money back (N$10 per person) after finding out that the match had been suspended because of the condition of the turf at the modern facility, situated in the Dolam area in Katutura. A man broke both his legs as he jumped from the upper level of the grand stand onto the second deck, as he was trying to avoid the security guards of the Humphreys Security Division.A number of fights broke out between security guards and spectators in the stadium, but the players and team officials were safely escorted to their vehicles to leave the field.Another man was seriously injured when security guards beat him up shortly before he punched one of the female guards in the face.He bled heavily and was later reported to have been taken to hospital, together with the one who broke his legs.The female security guard was among some of her colleagues who were trying to calm the fans after they converged at the entry gates, demanding their money back.The money was not paid back.Referee Matthew Katjimune called off the match after his inspection of the field revealed that the grass was too long and could cause ankle injuries to the players.But officials of the two teams The Namibian Sport spoke to at the field were willing to play the match despite the height of the grass.Namibia Premier League administrator Tovey //Hoebeb yesterday apologised to the fans for being denied the opportunity to watch the game.”We are going to reschedule the game and it will be free of charge,” he said.He said the pitch was supposed to be inspected at least one hour before the game kicks off, but the referee only did that with 25 minutes to go before the start of the match.”On behalf of the NPL and Ramblers (home team), we are sorry because we did not anticipate this to happen.We hope that it will never happen again,” //Hoebeb said.Ramblers were given the home team status, as their field in Pionierspark is also not fit for playing.In matches at the SKW Stadium on Saturday, Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw by visitors Blue Waters, while Eleven Arrows picked up three points by ousting SKW 3-4.Yesterday, Blue Waters beat SKW 4-2 at the SKW Stadium.Matches between Eleven Arrows and Orlando Pirates and Tigers against Black Africa were not yet concluded at the time of going to press.A man broke both his legs as he jumped from the upper level of the grand stand onto the second deck, as he was trying to avoid the security guards of the Humphreys Security Division.A number of fights broke out between security guards and spectators in the stadium, but the players and team officials were safely escorted to their vehicles to leave the field.Another man was seriously injured when security guards beat him up shortly before he punched one of the female guards in the face.He bled heavily and was later reported to have been taken to hospital, together with the one who broke his legs.The female security guard was among some of her colleagues who were trying to calm the fans after they converged at the entry gates, demanding their money back.The money was not paid back.Referee Matthew Katjimune called off the match after his inspection of the field revealed that the grass was too long and could cause ankle injuries to the players.But officials of the two teams The Namibian Sport spoke to at the field were willing to play the match despite the height of the grass.Namibia Premier League administrator Tovey //Hoebeb yesterday apologised to the fans for being denied the opportunity to watch the game.”We are going to reschedule the game and it will be free of charge,” he said.He said the pitch was supposed to be inspected at least one hour before the game kicks off, but the referee only did that with 25 minutes to go before the start of the match.”On behalf of the NPL and Ramblers (home team), we are sorry because we did not anticipate this to happen.We hope that it will never happen again,” //Hoebeb said.Ramblers were given the home team status, as their field in Pionierspark is also not fit for playing.In matches at the SKW Stadium on Saturday, Orlando Pirates were held to a goalless draw by visitors Blue Waters, while Eleven Arrows picked up three points by ousting SKW 3-4.Yesterday, Blue Waters beat SKW 4-2 at the SKW Stadium.Matches between Eleven Arrows and Orlando Pirates and Tigers against Black Africa were not yet concluded at the time of going to press.