AS Vita Club fined after crowd trouble in Linafoot playoff match

AS Vita Club have been fined 6.75 million Congolese francs following disciplinary action linked to crowd disturbances during their Linafoot playoff match against Lupopo on 5 May.

The sanction relates to incidents that occurred after AS Vita Club’s 1-0 victory in the second round of the championship playoffs, when several individuals entered the neutral zone of the pitch following the final whistle.

The league’s disciplinary committee ruled that the Kinshasa-based club was responsible for the breach of security regulations and imposed the financial penalty, equivalent to around $3,000.

The ruling comes as part of ongoing efforts by league authorities to address crowd control issues during high-profile domestic fixtures.

According to the decision, the invasion of the restricted area constituted a breach of competition rules, leading directly to the sanction against the club.

However, the May 5 incident is not an isolated case involving AS Vita Club in recent weeks. On Thursday, the club was once again involved in disciplinary concerns during a match against Aigles du Congo.

In that fixture, supporters reportedly invaded the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision, forcing the game to be suspended.

The repeated nature of the incidents is expected to increase scrutiny on crowd management and security measures at AS Vita Club matches going forward.

While the disciplinary committee’s latest decision focuses on the Lupopo fixture, the wider pattern of unrest has raised concerns within the competition.

AS Vita Club, one of DR Congo’s most prominent football clubs, now face added pressure to ensure order is maintained at future fixtures as the Linafoot playoffs continue.

Further disciplinary action could be considered depending on the outcome of ongoing reviews into recent match disruptions.