Sundowns clash with stadium security in Sekondi

kwame

May 18, 2016 9:24 AM

Mamelodi Sundowns clashed with stadium security and GTV crew at the Sekondi stadium ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup second leg tie against Medeama SC.

The South African side arrived at the main entrance to the stadium, few minutes to 4pm with a police escort but had to stop behind the gate to negotiate their way inside the stadium.

The security men had locked the gate because Sundowns had reported late to training, that's according the official match program and instruction given them, which they referred to when insisting on their position to deny the visitors entry.

While agitation ensued between officials of the club and the security at post, the team got down from their bus and walked their way through the gate.

There were some hauling off and attempt by the security to block the team's passage through the gate but they were outnumbered. Fortunately, tempers were cooled down before the scene could have escalated into a fight.

Pulse.com.gh were informed about a marathon meeting held from about 9am to 3pm at the Protea Hotel, where Sundowns are lodging between officials of both Sundowns and Medeama and the match commissioner, Dominic Oneya from Nigeria, about the mandatory training time and duration at the match venue.

Sources say Sundowns wanted a two hours training between 3:30pm to 5:30pm but that was rejected by Medeama, who insisted that the Brazilians stick to the regulatory start of their training at the 3pm match time for an hour while the Mauves and Yellow come from 4-5pm.

It was however agreed at the meeting that Sundowns train from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and Medeama from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. While Sundowns were behind the entrance, Medeama arrived.

There were other incidences of provocation for the visitors during training. Coach Pitso Mosimane led his other officials to protest against the possible filming of their training by the Ghana Television (GTV) crew. The state broadcasters’ crew led by presenter Omar Sanda Salifu argued that they had come to cover Medeama but the heat of the moment also brought some harsh exchanges among them.

Truce and sanity prevailed as some Medeama officials stepped in before the match commissioner later showed up to finally settle issues with both clubs.

Medeama after their 3-1 defeat in Pretoria, must win by at least 2-0 to progress to the group stage of the competition.

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