Calls for urgent action

THE recent Soweto Derby at the 94000-seater FNB Stadium saw an alarming display of overcrowding, with fans sitting in the aisles, prompting urgent intervention from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

- HERMAN GIBBS

After attending the sold-out match, McKenzie described the situation as a “disaster waiting to happen,” highlighting the dire need for both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure fan safety.

Overcrowding in stadiums, particularly during hugely popular events like the Soweto Derby, raises significant concerns. When spectators sit in the aisles, it is a clear indication that attendance has exceeded safety regulations — it poses grave risks to those inside the stadium.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is duty-bound to rectify this dangerous trend and demonstrate a serious commitment to supporter safety, stressing that the thrill of live sports must not come at the expense of fan welfare.