Crowd runs for cover after fans fire gunshots in heated play-off that sees goalkeeper coach attacked in pitch invasion

A FOOTBALL match was plunged into chaos after a pitch invasion led to GUN SHOTS being fired.

The ABC Motsepe League National play-off semi-final between Usminga United and Orbit College in South Africa ended in pandemonium after the final whistle saw the hosts suffer a 1-0 defeat.

Sections of the Usminga fans were furious after the final whistle, so much so they stormed the pitch at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

Umsinga goalkeeping coach Gezani Zondi had to receive medical treatment after being hit by multiple objects.

Police reportedly tried to disperse the baying mob by using rubber bullets.

But that prompted some gun-toting Usminga fans to fire guns back, although it is thought no one was actually shot.

The actions of Umsinga fans have been slammed by SAFA KZN Chairperson Kwenzakwakhe Ngwenya, who has vowed to come down hard on the club.

He said: “We’re going to make an example with this team, we’re going to charge them.

“They’ll appear before the disciplinary committee.

“I won’t be specific about how we’re also going to charge them.

“But DC is going to take the decision, ours is to take them to DC.”

Ngwenya, like many others, was left stunned at how fans were able to enter the stadium with firearms.

When pressed on how they smuggled guns into the ground, he said: “I cannot be able to answer that easily.

“Except for the fact that it is understood that the security wasn’t right at the gate.

“The truth is, those people used the gates to enter which is not allowed.

“Guns are not allowed except the ones who are the bodyguards of the mayors, etc.

“We made sure that those kinds of people were at the VIP, protected and working under orders.”

The South African Football Association plans to offer Orbit players counselling following the harrowing and life-threatening ordeal.

Ngwenya revealed: “We’ll also try to give the players who were on the field mental therapy.

“Luckily, tomorrow is the rest day, we’ll organise therapy so that they will come back on Sunday sober-minded.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk