Minister slams Dembare hooligans

The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhosini Hlongwane has slammed hooliganism at football matches, saying it is not good for sport and football in general.

This comes after Dynamos fans turned violent at the weekend after their team's 1-nil home defeat to FC Platinum at Rufaro Stadium and another the pitch invasion by fans during a premiership match between Mutare City and How Mine a week earlier.

In a statement, Minister Hlongwane said government is concerned by this violent behaviour, which should not be allowed to continue.

"contrary to the values of sport, Dynamos fans went on a rampage, destroying property and attacking individuals in ugly scenes of violence at Rufaro Stadium after the match," he said.

The Minister also slammed behaviour by a ZIFA official to threaten the referee.

"It is most disturbing that the image of Zimbabwe football should take the battering due to the behaviour of a senior ZIFA executive committee member who, not only invades the pitch, but goes on to threaten the referee of the match," said Hlongwane.

He said remedial action should be taken to arrest errant behaviour at, during and after the matches so as to encourage investment in sport in general and football in particular.