UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

MEDIA RELEASE

ELLISPARK SOCCER TRAGEDY

STATEMENT ISSUED BY CEDRIC FROLICK, MP
UDM SPOKESPERSON FOR SPORT

The UDM once again extends its most profound sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of the people who died, or were injured, in last week’s tragedy at Ellispark. The UDM congratulates the football community, and society at large, for the way in which they came together in the past week to accommodate and console the families of victims.

The immensity of this tragedy will linger with all South Africans for many years to come. We have to acknowledge that our efforts to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup have been adversely affected. It is unfortunate that many administrators do not plough back their profits into infrastructure and spectator services. Is it a matter of administrators thinking that the spectators come, irrespective of the quality of service they receive?

The organisers of this particular game have failed dismally in their duty. The logistical implications of holding a contest of this magnitude on weeknight in a relatively small stadium should have been foreseen. The pre-match hype was incredible. As is common with important games, overselling of tickets, or fraudulent tickets, have undoubtedly occurred. Adequate measures to control large crowds of excited supporters have yet to be developed. The provision of adequate public transport, and parking space, as well as crowd controllers, are absolute prerequisites for matches of this magnitude. This tragedy could have been avoided if these measures were in place. It would appear that the primary reason for the stampede was because thousands of legitimate ticket holders were still outside the stadium when the game commenced. Serious consideration should be given to a regulation preventing soccer officials from allowing the start of a game while legitimate ticket holders are still outside the gates. Otherwise it appears as if commercial interests are more important than the potential loss of life.

The UDM calls on all stakeholders to give their full cooperation to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, to ensure that this process is resolved speedily and solutions implemented as a matter of urgency.

Enquiries:
Cedric Frolick, MP
UDM Spokesperson on Sport