Orlando Pirates apologize, confirm refunds for locked-out fans after Saturday's drama

The opening Betway Premiership match was marred by scenes of fans entering forcibly entering the stadium as the stewards attempted to block the entrances to the stadium, with footage circulating of these events on social media.

AmaBhakaniya have apologized and confirmed that refunds will be available for the affected fans while also explaining what led to the decision to close the gates.

"The Club confirms that the decision to close the stadium gates during the match was made by the Venue Operations Centre (VOC) in the interest of public safety," opened the statement on the club website.

"This operational measure was implemented to safeguard the wellbeing and security of all spectators, players, match officials, staff, and other stakeholders present at the venue.

"While the decision to close the stadium was beyond the Club's control, Orlando Pirates fully acknowledges the frustration and disappointment experienced by supporters who held valid match tickets but were unable to gain entry due to the stadium lockdown.

The statement also alluded to criminal activity being at the centre of the problem, with counterfeit match tickets and the assistance for unlawful entry of people without valid tickets into the venue, causing the risk to the public and employees at the stadium.

"To support those affected, the Club has appointed Open Tickets to administer the refund process. Supporters who purchased valid match tickets for the fixture but were unable to access the stadium due to the lockdown are eligible to apply for a refund."

The Buccaneers will hope to have these problems sorted ahead of their MTN8 title defence opener against Durban City on Saturday in Orlando.