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Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
ZIFA Eastern Region President Piraishe Mabhena says they are yet to decide the fate of the match between Buffaloes Juniors and Masvingo United which ended prematurely at the weekend due to violence.The match officials were assaulted.

In an interview, Mabhena said match officials were attacked after the army side scored their second goal in the second half.

Mabhena said the match was abandoned with 78 minutes played after the visitors’ fans stormed the pitch in protest.

They alleged the goal was offside.

“The match between Buffaloes Juniors and Masvingo United was abandoned after 78 minutes of play. The region is still investigating the matter but chaos is said to have started after Buffaloes scored their second goal to lead 2-1,” said Mabhena.

He said fans and Masvingo United officials reportedly invaded the pitch.

“The reports we have so far are that after the contested goal, some fans and some officials from Masvingo stormed the pitch and attacked the match officials. Police had to intervene but the match was abandoned because of the violence,” said Mabhena.

He said the region had since launched a full scale investigation and those found on the wrong side of the law will be punished.

Mabhena said football is a sport which requires high levels of discipline.

“Football is a sport which requires high levels of discipline and tolerance. As the Eastern Region, we don’t want hooliganism during matches because those ugly scenes will tarnish the image of our teams,” said Mabhena.