Chiefs call for fans to behave

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Chiefs have not lost a match since the 4-1 thumping away to Mamelodi Sundowns, and have the League's most in-form striker in Bernard Parker, who is on seven goals from five League matches, but the club has found it necessary to call on their fans to "show their support by encouraging the players to perform to the best of their abilities".

The PSL revealed on Wednesday that current cases against Chiefs and Pirates involving spectator misbehaviour have been suspended pending the outcome of an appeal made by Pirates to the Safa Appeals Board.

Pirates' case involves spectators throwing missiles – including firecrackers – onto the pitch during their loss to SuperSport United in the MTN8 at the end of August, while Chiefs' case concerns spectator misbehaviour after their big loss to Sundowns in the MTN8 on August 5.

In their appeal papers, Pirates challenge the interpretation of Rule 53.2.3 and Rule 53.3.4 of the National Soccer League (NSL), which deals with whether the club is directly or indirectly responsible for the conduct of their spectators.

This affects at least three cases involving Pirates – being contested by the club – and other pending DC cases of spectator misbehaviour.

The PSL DC panel said: "It is only proper that the Safa Appeal Board decides on whether they have been giving a proper interpretation to this rule or not. The DC will thereafter start giving the interpretation as pronounced by the Appeals Board on all other matters that are pending."

Pirates have been judged and found guilty of charges of spectator misbehaviour on the same rule previously, and the DC believes the interpretation of the rule may prejudge the club's current appeal.

With a reference to the recent incidents in England, where Manchester United and Liverpool fans have been guilty of taunting each other about the Hillsborough and Munich disasters, a statement on Chiefs' official website reads:

"In light of recent occurrences at the stadiums around the world with regard to supporter's behaviour, the club would like to appeal to the Amakhosi faithful to avoid acts that are tantamount to unsporting behaviour.

"The team is working hard to display good football and to produce positive results on the playing field and the same is expected of the supporters on the stands to show their support by encouraging the players to perform to the best of their abilities.

"We urge The Love and Peace fraternity to avoid:
Throwing missiles on the pitch
Booing players
Signalling at the coach to effect substitutions

"We urge the Love and Peace community to uproot and isolate the perpetrators of such acts. The club will continue to engage the Supporters Branches to teach and spread the message of educating the supporters in this regard.

"Remember, Glory takes more than 90 mins.
Continue to Reclaim the Glory with us!
Be the Voice behind your Team!
Amakhosi 4 Life!"

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