Last Saturday turned into a nightmare for local referee Oriel "Pitbull" Mulovhedzi, who officiated the Safa Limpopo ABC Motsepe League match between Phalaborwa Continentals and Mukondeni Young Chiefs at Nkowankowa Stadium.
Moments after the final whistle, officials and fans from Continentals allegedly stormed the pitch and assaulted him, accusing him of favouritism. They claimed he had denied them two clear penalties. Young Chiefs' management intervened and escorted Mulovhedzi to safety.
Young Chiefs won the match 3-2.
Continentals player Jan Modiba said the referee's decisions had been questioned by "all players and officials" and accused Mulovhedzi of losing control of the game. He said many supporters had left the stadium disappointed. Modiba added that he was "shocked and disappointed" by the decisions. "Losing a match unfairly demoralises both the players and the technical staff," he said.
Young Chiefs coach Joel Mongalo condemned the behaviour of the Continentals contingent, saying the lack of discipline would not take the club anywhere.
Safa Limpopo administrator Refilwe Khosa said the association was awaiting reports from both clubs, the referee and the match commissioner. Once received, the matter would be referred to a disciplinary hearing. She said the incident was worrying. "We want players to use soccer as a form of entertainment and create friendship with each other."