football fans assault officials over juju fears
Chitipa United supporters invaded a tunnel and attacked Masters FC officials believing juju prevented their team from scoring.
Masters FC officials were reportedly assaulted by Chitipa United supporters at Chitipa Stadium on Saturday during an FDH Premiership match. The supporters allegedly invaded the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms at half-time, searching for juju they believed hindered their team.
The incidents began during Masters FC’s Friday training session when an individual allegedly watched and poured liquid on the pitch. On Saturday, the same individual reportedly spread liquid at the stadium gate and collected soil from where Masters coach Peter Mponda stepped, escalating tensions before the match.
Videos show ball boys spreading liquid on the goal line where Masters were to defend in the second half. The assault on Masters officials highlights concerns about stadium security and the entanglement of football with suspicions about supernatural forces.
Why it mattersFootball fans in Chitipa attacked visiting officials due to beliefs that juju was preventing their team from scoring.