HARARE, Jun. 6 (NewsDay Live) — Dynamos FC have demanded an independent investigation into the violence that led to the abandonment of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Hardrock FC, arguing that disciplinary proceedings should not proceed before all the facts are established.
The Harare giants, who are scheduled to appear before the PSL Disciplinary Committee on June 9 alongside Hardrock, have rejected the charges against them and questioned the basis on which the case is being pursued.
In a letter to the PSL, Dynamos chief executive officer Desmond Bvute said the club would not participate in the disciplinary process until an independent Board of Inquiry is appointed to investigate the disturbances at Chahwanda Stadium on May 24.
“Having carefully considered the charges preferred against Dynamos Football Club, we categorically deny all allegations levelled against the club,” Bvute said.
“The circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the match warrant a comprehensive and impartial investigation before any disciplinary proceedings can be fairly undertaken.”
Dynamos claim the charges are based on incomplete evidence, saying the PSL relied largely on reports from the referee and match commissioner while disregarding accounts from other key stakeholders.
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“The charges appear to be based exclusively on reports submitted by the Match Commissioner and the Referee,” Bvute said.
“We note with concern that other critical match-day reports and accounts from relevant operational stakeholders have not been considered.”
The club argued that the issues at the centre of the case involve security, crowd management and stadium operations, areas that require specialist expertise beyond that of match officials.
Dynamos also warned that proceeding with disciplinary action before a full inquiry risks creating the perception that guilt has already been determined.
The club further said supporter welfare should take precedence, noting that one Dynamos fan remains in intensive care after suffering serious injuries during the disturbances.
The PSL last week charged Dynamos and Hardrock with causing the abandonment of the match, disrupting normal proceedings, pitch invasion, acts of violence and malicious damage to property.
Hardrock face an additional charge of failing to provide adequate security, while the club’s chief executive officer, Kudzanai Hove, has been separately charged with disorderly conduct, violent behaviour and pitch invasion.
Despite rejecting the charges, Dynamos said they remain committed to the rules and integrity of the game.
“However, we reserve all our rights and cannot participate in a process that appears to be based on incomplete evidence and predetermined conclusions,” Bvute said.
The club has requested urgent confirmation from the PSL on whether an independent Board of Inquiry will be established before Monday’s disciplinary hearing.