AT LEAST 11 PEOPLE GOT INJURED AT BUDDIE CUP FINAL
	Maseru, June 04 - At least 11 people sustained injuries when violence broke out at the Buddie Premier League Top 4 final played between Lioli and Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) at Setsoto stadium on Sunday. LDF won the match 2-1 and are the new Buddie Top 4 champions and pocketed M14 000.00 plus a trophy as well as gold medals. The violence apparently broke out after LDF's player Lekoekoe Molefe scored his team’s first goal in the 23rd minute of the first half after which he ran towards their supporters to celebrate. Since both LDF and Lioli supporters were sharing the North Eastern side of Setsoto stadium, hell broke lose as Lioli supporters threw assortment of missiles at the goal scorer and turned to LDF supporters who were in jubilation. The match was delayed for about 20 minutes as officials from both teams tried to normalise the situation so that they match could resume. The LDF supporters were persuaded to move from the North Eastern side of the stadium to the royal stand but it was too late as people had already sustained injuries. In an interview, the Makoanyane Military Hospital Paramedic Mr. Anthony Mahano said he treated at least 11 people from both teams' supporters for various injuries on the forehead and eyes, apparently from missiles like bottles which were thrown from both clubs' supporters. One female supporter had to be rushed to Hospital with a fractured ankle after throwing herself down the stairs while trying to flee. An LDF supporter who sustained a head injury who was bleeding profusely Mr. Pii Clement said he was hit with a bottle while seating at the North Eastern side and had to rescue himself from the situation. In an interview, Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) President Mr. Tlholo Letete said the incident is not good to local soccer as he had called the supporters to take the tournament as an outing with their families. He said incidences of this nature are not required in football, adding that perpetrators will be heavily punished. On the other hand Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kholoang Mokalanyane said a commission of inquiry will be formed to investigate fully what happened before any action could be taken. He made it clear that any team found to have started the incident will be dealt with accordingly as clubs are responsible to control their supporters. Meanwhile, Lioli Football Club President Mr. Mothoalo Mothoalo said he had warned PLMC the previous day to separate the supporters of both teams for fear of violence if they were allowed to share the stand. He also blamed the committee and the sponsor for not banning bottles and other dangerous missiles into the stadium. The tournament was a success in terms of attendance and the quality of soccer that was displayed by the participating teams since it started on Saturday.
	Source: LENA