Scottland’s hopes of earning promotion to the Premier Soccer League received a significant boost after being awarded three points for their abandoned match against Karoi United, moving them to within two points of Northern Region Division One leaders Mwos.
The game was called off with 10 minutes remaining when Karoi supporters attacked the referee and Scottland’s technical team. The league awarded Scottland a 3-0 victory.
With six matches left, Scottland are optimistic about overtaking Mwos. “It’s game on,” a club official said. “We will fight to make sure we get promotion and pray that our rivals slip up. We want to win our remaining six matches.”
Last week, Mwos were also awarded three points following their abandoned match against Shamva.
Match commissioner Kanzvimbo Kanzvimbo’s report blamed Karoi United fans for the abandonment. “The home team, Karoi United FC, were already in their changing room. Scottland FC officials arrived at 13:30 hours and were welcomed, their cars given secure parking,” his report stated.
Kanzvimbo described escalating tensions: “Commotion between home and away team officials started, with some exchanging blows. I intervened with the police to ensure Scottland’s team bus entered safely.”
Karoi fans reportedly pelted Kanzvimbo with bottles and threatened him if their team lost. “Missiles were thrown at Scottland’s technical bench, leading to police intervention,” he said.
Karoi United goalkeeper Monze was warned several times for delaying the game. When the referee, Dingo, cautioned him in the 82nd minute, Karoi fans threw objects at the referee, causing him to fall.
“The referees retreated to the changing rooms for safety,” Kanzvimbo noted. “Karoi fans surrounded the changing room, demanding access. I was sprinkled with unknown substances as I moved in and out to check on the safety of the players.”
