BULAWAYO – Highlanders have been fined US$6,000 and their abandoned Premier Soccer League match with FC Platinum on April 23 has been awarded to the defending champions on a 3-0 score, it was announced on Wednesday.
The two teams were level 1-1 at Mandava Stadium when the home-side was awarded a late penalty by referee Kuzivamwari Jaravaza.
Highlanders players and officials contested the decision, arguing that a collision between defender Peter Muduhwa and FC Platinum forward Walter Musona occurred outside the box.
A pitch invasion by Highlanders supporters followed before police fired tear gas leading to running battles in and outside the stadium.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Premier Soccer League found Highlanders at fault for the abandonment of the match after 84 minutes.
The league said: “The club was found guilty of violating PSL regulations and fined a sum of US$6,000… to be paid within 15 days. Further, the match has been forfeited and awarded to FC Platinum on a 3-0 score-line.”
The decision lifts FC Platinum to second from third in the Premier League with 34 points from 17 matches, one shy of leaders Chicken Inn. Highlanders stay rooted in 10th from 16 matches after amassing 20 points.
Highlanders have another pending decision over their abandoned match with Dynamos. Highlanders scored a late goal at Barbourfields Stadium before Dynamos supporters invaded the pitch and damaged the nets, prompting the abandonment of their match.
