Referee assaulted during Mpheni match

SAFA Vhembe's disciplinary committee will investigate the alleged assault of a referee, following Saturday's match at Mpheni between the current log leaders of stream E, Mpheni Home Defenders Stars, and Muraleni United Brothers.

United were leading 1-0 after Balo Mathavha scored early in the game. The chaos erupted when Defenders scored the equaliser through Ndaedzo Mareda with only two minutes left on the clock. The players of United then channelled their anger at the lone referee, Ndifelani Mathabwe.

According to the manager of Defenders, Vhutshilo Phuravhathu, his team scored what he described as the goal of the day when the Brothers supporters and players stormed onto the pitch. The players confronted the referee, angrily accusing him of favouritism. They argued that the goal had been scored from an offside position, but the referee stood by his decision.

The situation took an ugly turn when one of the players, Muvhulawa Rambuda, allegedly hit the referee with a fist on the forehead. The other players joined the attack. Chaos erupted and officials of the team had to calm down the situation. They urged their players to continue with the match.

The SAFA Vhembe president, Mr George Kubayi, said that he was still waiting for reports from the teams, the referee and the assistant referees. “Once we get these reports, the team will appear before a disciplinary hearing,” said Kubayi.
 

Date:22 May 2015

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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