Yadah not keen on Barbourfields

Following the violence that marred the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between Dynamos and Highlanders on Sunday, Yadah has expressed significant concerns about their upcoming visit to Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday.

Highlanders are scheduled to host Yadah at Barbourfields in a Week 23 match, but Yadah has requested to either play the match in an empty stadium or relocate it to a neutral venue, with Bata Stadium in Gweru being their suggested alternative.

According to the fixture program, Dynamos, who are in the title race, will also play at Barbourfields on Saturday, this time as visitors to Bulawayo Chiefs.

Yadah sent an urgent letter to Premier Soccer League CEO Kenny Ndebele, requesting a change of venue due to the violence that forced the abandonment of the Dynamos vs. Highlanders match after only 37 minutes on Sunday.

Ndebele mentioned that he hadn't received the letter as he was traveling but would respond once he had received it.

However, a league official indicated that their current stance was to stand up to hooligans rather than abandon Barbourfields.

The police are still investigating the violence on Sunday, which led to eight injuries and damage to property around Barbourfields. Their goal is to apprehend all suspects involved.

Yadah, represented by Rubaya and Chatambudza legal practitioners, argued that the safety and well-being of their fans, players, officials, and stakeholders had been compromised in light of the upcoming fixture.

They contended that Sunday's violence, triggered by what Highlanders fans perceived as an unfair refereeing decision, set a dangerous precedent where match officials might feel intimidated to officiate professionally, especially against Highlanders at Barbourfields.

Due to these events, Yadah believed it would be extremely challenging for them to receive fair treatment from match officials. The psychological impact of the violence, coupled with the lack of accountability for those responsible, raised doubts about the objectivity and impartiality of the officiating team, especially when Highlanders fans were in attendance. This situation undermined fair play principles and jeopardized the game's integrity.

Yadah proposed an alternative solution, suggesting a change of venue from Barbourfields to Bata Stadium in Gweru or any other neutral venue outside of Bulawayo. They argued that a neutral venue would ensure a level playing field, uphold fair play principles, and eliminate fear or intimidation.

While Yadah preferred a neutral venue, they also acknowledged that this request might not be granted. In the alternative, they proposed that the match be played at Barbourfields without spectators, which would mitigate potential security threats and ensure the safety of all parties involved.

The Premier Soccer League has yet to set a date for the disciplinary hearing related to the violence at Barbourfields as they awaited reports from match officials and other stakeholders.

WEEK 23 FIXTURES

SATURDAY: Bulawayo Chiefs v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Cranborne Bullets v Hwange (Nyamhunga), Herentals v Black Rhinos (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum v Greenfuel (Baobab), Manica Diamonds v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo).

SUNDAY: CAPS United v Chicken Inn (Bata Stadium), Highlanders v Yadah (Barbourfields), Simba Bhora v Sheasham (Baobab), Triangle v FC Platinum (Gibbo).