Do not support hooliganism - Bishaw
Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw has hit out after media reports suggested he had no issues with fans throwing objects onto the field in his team's 1-1 draw against Africa Cup of Nations title holders Zambia on Monday.
Bottles and vuvuzelas rained down on the field for nearly five minutes at Mbombela Stadium after goalkeeper Jemaal Tassew was sent off against Chipolopolo.
Speaking ahead of their match against Burkina Faso on Friday, Bishaw distanced himself from the perception that he supported spectator misbehaviour.
"Football journalists are one and the same they work for the development of football and for the beauty of football," he said on Thursday.
"But things must be done correctly and in a true manner. I was asked about the fans rioting, throwing things onto the field, but it was none of my business – that is technical and tactical.
"One paper wrote that I supported hooliganism, but I am not a hooligan member and my job is to coach the team.
"I would appreciate if journalists stick to the truth."
At the post-match press conference on Monday, Bishaw had allegedly supported the Ethiopian spectators.
"The reaction of the fans is normal because they are supporting their boys," he said.
"They want their team to win, and when things don't go their way, they react."
The Confederation of African Football suspended Tassew for two matches and the East African team was fined US$10,000, half of which was suspended until the end of the tournament.
