Last Sunday saw another local referee forced to run for his life after allegedly being attacked by angry soccer supporters.
Local referee Munakisi Mathelemusa, who officiated the SAFA Vhembe promotional play-off match between FC Basel and Maelula United Brothers at Tshifulanani Stadium, came under attack after the match, which ended 1-0 in Basel’s favour.
Videos circulating on social media showed Mathelemusa running from angry supporters who allegedly assaulted him. He was reportedly rescued by residents living near the stadium.
Many soccer supporters questioned the safety measures in place for match officials, asking where the police and security personnel, who were supposed to protect the lone referee, were. They said football, regarded as South Africa’s most popular sport, was increasingly becoming a battlefield. They also referred to another incident in Gauteng last month in which a local referee was assaulted on the pitch in front of security personnel. The referee in that case reportedly did not open a criminal case because he had been attacked by a crowd and could not identify his assailants.
Many spectators at the stadium also expressed disappointment at the supporters’ conduct and called on SAFA Vhembe to provide visible police officers, security personnel and emergency medical services at future matches. They urged the association to take action against those responsible, saying such incidents damage the league’s reputation.
Moments after the final whistle, officials and supporters of United Brothers allegedly stormed the field and confronted Mathelemusa, accusing him of favouring Basel. They claimed he had denied their team two clear penalty appeals.
Fearing for his safety, the referee fled the field and sought refuge outside the stadium, where nearby residents allegedly helped him escape from supporters pursuing him. He later said that throughout the match, every decision he made had been questioned and that players and officials confronted him immediately after he blew the final whistle.
A United Brothers supporter, who requested anonymity, said the referee’s decisions had been questioned by “all players and officials” and accused Mathelemusa of losing control of the match. He said many supporters left the stadium disappointed.
“I was shocked and disappointed by some of the decisions. Losing a match unfairly demoralises both the players and the technical staff,” he said.
Basel manager Vhutshilo Makhado condemned the behaviour of the United Brothers contingent, saying a lack of discipline would not benefit the club.
“They lack discipline, and such behaviour will not get them anywhere,” he said.
SAFA Vhembe secretary Sam Matodzi said the association was awaiting reports from both clubs, the referee and the match commissioner.
“Once we receive all the reports, the matter will be referred to a disciplinary hearing. The incident is worrying. We want players to use soccer as a form of entertainment and to build friendships with one another,” he said.