Chants in support of Mundubile, Makebi Zulu at football match receive UPND’s condemnation

“That is not freedom of expression. That is hooliganism dressed in political colours, and the Copperbelt will not accept it. Let us be direct so that nobody can claim they were not told,” he said.

The former Copperbelt minister warned that the UPND would not tolerate similar conduct at sporting venues in the province.

“Not at Nkana. Not at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Not at any sporting venue in this province.

“Stadiums belong to the football-loving public. They do not belong to political losers looking for attention. Our national teams, including the Zambia women’s team that will play on Tuesday, deserve the full, united support of this nation, not a stage for political provocation,” he said.

Matambo called on the Zambia Police Service, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), stadium management and other security agencies to identify those responsible and take action.

He said the government had the authority to maintain public order and could use lawful means to address disturbances at public events.

“Those who choose to test that resolve will find that the law is not a suggestion,” he said.

Matambo also urged UPND members and supporters across the Copperbelt to report individuals they suspected of disrupting sporting events to the police and security personnel.

“If you see anyone chanting, flashing political symbols or stirring up trouble at a sporting event, do not look away and do not stay silent. Identify them, record what they did, and report them immediately to the police and the security wings at the venue so that action is taken,” he said.

He said those involved should be identified and reported to the authorities rather than waiting for another incident to occur.

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