The Varsity Cup fight that forced Madibaz vs Maties to be abandoned [video]
Protestors stormed the pitch in Monday night’s Varsity Cup clash between Madibaz and Maties. The match had to be abandoned as brawls broke up in the stands.
Monday night’s Varisty Cup match between Madibaz and Maties had to be called off eight minutes into the second half after brawls broke out in the stands.
And not just the stands, the VIP boxes nogal.
The Herald reported that protestors stried to storm one of the boxes where Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids was sitting before kick off.
It was also reported that chairs were thrown onto the field as players were being led off. Further reports claim that a woman was slapped in the face.
Eventually, a fist fight ensued in the stands.
This video is of protesters addressing the crowd after getting hold of the microphone of the stadium announcer.
— Ibhuda yomthetho ???????? (@Kwanele_Yokwe) March 12, 2018
This video shows protesters taking to the field and the poor mascot getting klapped.
#FNBVarsityCup11 pic.twitter.com/oGCR5Tp2DF
— Sesethu Gqomo (@Ms_Gqomo) March 12, 2018
This footage shows the brawl breaking out in one of the VIP boxes. Please note, you have to be logged into Facebook to view this video.
It has not been confirmed what sparked the protests or the violence.
NMU spokeswoman Zandile Mbabela said the university condemned the incident, telling The Herald:
“[It] is extremely regrettable and not in the spirit of [the] university,” she said.
“There will be further investigation into the matter and the appropriate steps taken.”
Mbabela claimed that the protest was because of NMU’s poor performances.
SA Students Congress regional secretary Noxolo Koko denied claims that the incident had been politically motivated by Sasco members.
“Students were involved. It is unfortunate that they chose violence, but I understand that they are frustrated,” Koko said.
It’s not the first time that a Varsity Cup match has had to be abandoned because of protests. Last year, a match between A Varsity Cup fixture between Shimlas and Midibaz had to be abandoned after student protestors took to the field.
Varsity Cup organisers issued a statement on the matter on Tuesday, saying:
Varsity Cup regrets that the match between Madibaz and Maties at Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth was stopped in the 48th minute due to pitch invasion. In accordance with Varsity Cup rules, FNB Maties were declared the winners after leading FNB Madibaz 19-0 when the match was stopped.
“Our rules state that if a game is stopped in the second half for any reason, the score at the time will stand as the final score,” says Duitser Bosman, CEO of Varsity Cup. “We consider this pitch invasion as an isolated incident that is being addressed by Nelson Mandela University.
“We also want to emphasise that security measures at all Varsity Cup matches are of paramount importance.”
Yeah, that’s not really adding much insight, guys.
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