February 22, 2019
By Sahr Morris Jnr
Diamond Stars fans on the pitch against FC Kallon
The Sierra Leone Premier League club, Diamond Stars, has been fined Le10,000,000 (approximately US$1,163) by the League Board and were also issued stern warning on the future conduct of their fans.
Diamond Stars were charged with crowd trouble on two occasions. Fans invaded the pitch and threw objects at their opponent in the away match against Kamboi Eagles in Kenema and the home game with FC Kallon in Kono.
A statement from the PLB reads: “In a meeting held on the 19th February 2019, resolved to impose a fine of Le 10,000,000 on the management of Diamond Stars FC in lieu of the two infringements.”
The board further stated that the unsportsmanly and violent behaviour of Diamond Stars FC fans against FC Kallon on the 16th February 2019 was unbearable and totally unacceptable, whiles the pitch invasion in Kenema after a provoked goal scored by the home team is also an infringement of the FIFA fair play rules.
The board also levied Le 5,000,000 fine on Kamboi Eagles for failing to provide adequate security during the said match against Diamond Stars FC.
“It was also resolved that any future infringement of security and unsporting morality of fixtures will attract a graver fine with an additional option of suspending the defaulting team’s hosting playing field for a number of matches,” the PLB further stated and assured spectators of the Board’s zero tolerance on violence.