Two football fans were confirmed to have lost their lives as rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates clashed in the pre-season Soweto derby.
The two sides faced off in the Carling Black Label Champion Cup on Saturday at the FNB stadium with Kaizer Chiefs winning the game 1-0 to leave with bragging rights.
The clashes were reported at the gates although the reason for the stampede remains secret though allegations point to sale of fake tickets.
“As sponsors of the Carling Black Label Champion Cup, we are saddened by the fatalities that occurred late this afternoon due to a number of people who attempted to push through the stadium gates,” a statement from Carling Black Label said.
As things stand at the moment, we can confirm two fatalities caused by blunt force trauma, one critically injured and sixteen spectators with minor injuries.
This incident is extremely unfortunate as solid security plans were put in place in conjunction with SAPS and various other stake holders, to ensure that this is a risk-free event.
Since the inception of the Carling Black Label Cup in 2011, we have had record attendance and incident free events.
The South African Police Services and Stadium Management South Africa are working together to investigate this matter.
As Carling Black Label, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and SMSA – We wish to express our sincere condolences to the families of those affected by the incident.
We will endeavor to keep the public informed as we receive progress on the matter.”
The game continued despite the deaths, but it is another dark stain in the history of the Soweto Derby.
The previous deaths in Soweto derby
It’s not the first time deaths have occurred in this derby. In 1991, 42 people died in Orkney during a friendly between the two sides and in 2001, 43 lost their lives at Ellis Park.
