Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has defended the club’s staff after a fracas broke out between them and the Orlando Pirates security team upon their arrival at Loftus on Saturday, instead placing the blame at the feet of the security on duty.

The security staff of both teams clashed outside the stadium when the Pirates bus arrived and looked to park in a spot designated to the home side.

The incident was just the start of a highly charged atmosphere at Loftus throughout the 0-0 draw and Mosimane has explained the situation from his point of view.

‘I found the Pirates bus parked where I park‚’ said Mosimane.

‘What do you mean‚ this is my stadium‚ it’s my home.

‘They parked in my space and I parked outside.

‘And then is that a commotion?’

Asked if it was right for Pirates to park their bus at the stadium’s main entrance‚ Mosimane said it was not right and that he chose to remain calm in the situation with a big game still to come on the day.

‘I walked from outside to get inside the stadium‚ their bus was there‚’ he said.

‘Do I park at the Orlando Pirates stadium’s entrance? We still gave them respect‚ we came from outside. Really‚ let’s be honest guys‚ it’s Loftus, not Orlando Stadium.’

On the clash between the two sets of staff, Mosimane added, ‘I didn’t see that [the bus incident] to be honest. I heard that there was a commotion. I didn’t see that.

‘When they parked in my space, I said, “In my house, you can’t sit where you want.” What I did‚ I just humbled myself and I parked outside and walked inside. Let them enjoy the parking.

‘But I don’t blame them. I blame the security. I mean what is that? Can you go to Old Trafford and do that? Are you serious? What is this? No, it is unacceptable.

‘Then you say it’s Sundowns which caused problems. Let’s be honest. Let’s tell the truth here. Unless you know it better and if anybody knows it better, tell me now. I’m listening.

‘Who knows it differently? OK‚ nobody. That’s the fact there,’ concluded the Downs coach.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix