The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Orlando Pirates following the crowd violence at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 11 February 2017.

Following the Buccaneers’ 6-0 thumping at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns last season, Pirates fans stormed the field in protest following their displeasure with the result.

The PSL DC has since handed down a ruling against the crowd violence.

‘The Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee has handed down its sanctions against Orlando Pirates FC arising from the crowd violence which took place at Loftus Stadium on 11 February 2017 during the club’s match against Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

‘The Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Orlando Pirates by ordering that the club must play two home matches in a closed stadium. The implementation of one of these matches has been suspended for a period of 24 months.

‘In the Disciplinary Committee’s opinion, the sentence was warranted because of the seriousness of the misconduct.

‘In addition, the Disciplinary Committee was of the view that a sanction of this nature is the only way in which the fans of the club could be punished simultaneously with the club, for their errant behaviour during football matches.

‘Orlando Pirates was also ordered to pay the costs of the sittings of the Disciplinary Committee.’