FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala has warned of stern action against teams that perpetrate violence in the Division one league games.

Kashala said violence was reason enough to stop the promotion of a team to super division despite having qualified. He noted that there was need for all teams to comply with all the laid down rules that govern football in the country before promotion could occur.

His statement comes in the wake of the violence that characterised the goalless game between Chambishi and Mighty Mufulira Wanderers in their week 28 league game. Chambishi fans were caught on camera throwing stones on the pitch and in the process injured three Wanderers’ fans severely.

In an interview with Goal Diggers! Kashala issued a warning to all the violent teams within the division.

“We will not tolerate any kind of violence inside or outside the football pitches. Division one teams should know better because they know very well what happens when a team is found guilty of violent behaviour, be it its fans or players. Your promotion to super league is not only based on qualifying but on good conduct too,” said Kashala.

The confusion first started when Chambishi assistant coach Fred Mooto was seen sprinkling ‘holy water’ on the pitch before the game started. In his defence of the act, Mooto said his act was a psychological one that was aimed at unsettling the visitors’ rhythm.

“There was nothing in that container apart from water. I knew Wanderers would psychologically be defeated if they saw me with the container and pouring water on the pitch because some of the things they did before warm-up were strange,” said Mooto.

Mooto’s action incensed Wanderers players and supporters resulting in kick-off delaying for 30 minutes.

Referee Vernon Nyambe gave Mooto matching orders before kick-off.