Fans protest penalty call during Kitwe Derby at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Government Confirms Damage
The government has confirmed that over 500 seats were destroyed at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
This followed violent protests by suspected Nkana supporters during the high-stakes Kitwe Derby.
Tensions escalated in the 80th minute after referee Hillary Hambaba awarded Power Dynamos a penalty.
Nkana players and fans fiercely protested the decision, fearing Power would equalize.
Power Dynamos' Brian Masanyinga converted the penalty, leveling the match 1-1.
Frustrated fans threw missiles onto the pitch and damaged property.
Many seats were uprooted and hurled onto the running track in anger.
Minister of Sport Elvis Nkandu expressed deep disappointment over the violent scenes.
He revealed that preliminary investigations showed over 500 seats were destroyed.
Nkandu urged fans to respect national infrastructure and sportsmanship.
Nkana Promises to Replace Seats
Club issues apology and vows to act
Nkana Football Club has apologized for the damage caused by its supporters.
Club president Joseph Silwamba pledged to replace all damaged seats at the stadium.
Silwamba admitted the penalty decision was controversial but condemned the violence.
He emphasized that the club supports fair play, integrity, and responsible behavior.
Silwamba said actions of a few fans do not represent the club's values.
The club promised to work with stadium management on repairs.
Silwamba also acknowledged the passion of Nkana supporters across the country.
But he insisted that destruction of property is not acceptable under any circumstance.
The full statement was published on Mwebantu and also shared via Mwenatu’s Facebook page.
Read more local football stories in our Sports section.
Public Reactions and Calls for Sanctions
Fans on Facebook heavily criticized Nkana and demanded strict punishment.
Some said FAZ has failed to discipline Nkana for repeated violent incidents.
Others called for a five-year ban on Nkana from league games.
Several fans also suggested banning the club from Levy and Heroes Stadiums.
One commenter said the club president’s statement seemed to support hooliganism.
Another wrote that Nkana fans lack discipline and respect for the game.
Many agreed that FAZ must act decisively to deter future violence.
They said replacing seats is not enough to ensure peace in football.
Public sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of harsher penalties.
Follow this developing story on Explonews.com.
