July 31 – Two fans died and several were injured in a domestic South African pre-season friendly at the weekend at the stadium that hosted the 2010 World Cup final.
The incident occurred when supporters tried to push through the gates on Saturday, causing a stampede at FNB Stadium in the Soweto area of Johannesburg, formerly called Soccer City stadium, during a game between arch-rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, the country’s best supported clubs.
Many inside and watching on television were reportedly unaware of what had happened until the end of Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 win. Live coverage showed no obvious disturbance.
“The city has been notified of two fatalities,” said Luyanda Mfeka, spokesman for the office of the mayor of Johannesburg, was quoted as saying amid reports of a heavy black market ticket presence.
Sixteen years ago, a far more serious stampede saw 63 people crushed to death at Ellis Park, venue of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, when Chiefs and Pirates met in a midweek league match. It remains the country’s worst sporting tragedy.
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