18 injured after fans invade S. African soccer pitch

JOHANNESBURG, April 22 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Moses Mabhida stadium on Sunday said 18 people were injured and the stadium damaged when fans invaded the pitch when their team Kaizer Chiefs lost the game.

Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-0 to Free State Stars on Saturday night during the Nedbank Cup Semi-final. Kaizer Chiefs fans then invaded the pitch attacking the security guards and the stadium facilities.

Moses Mabhida stadium general manager Vusi Mazibuko on Sunday said, "A total of 18 men suffered injuries during the pitch invasion. Twelve of the men were treated by medics at the stadium and five men were taken to hospital where they were treated. All have since been discharged."

He confirmed that there was extensive damage to the stadium that was used for games during the 2010 World Cup in the country.

"Costs are still being counted but we confirm there is extensive damage to the stadium including seating, crowd barriers and access gates as well as general vandalism," Mazibuko said.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Kompela immediately announced his resignation. So far two people have been arrested for assaulting a female security guard and damage to property. Enditem