Black Leopards boss David Thidiela apologised for the verbal attack he made on referee Victor Hlungwani after his team lost 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic in their Absa Premier League match on Sunday at Thohoyandou Stadium.
Thidiela's remarks were directed at Hlungwani after Leopards lost Celtic. He revealed, however, that had he called Hlungwani to apologise for his outburst and added that he and the referee had buried the hatchet. In the audio recording, Thidiela can be heard making threats of violence and tribalistic utterances toward the referee.
"Where I am playing, please don't come. I don't have a problem with anyone, but we can do without you, Hlungwani. Don't come here (Thohoyandou Stadium). You come here at your own risk. I am giving a last warning; I am tired of you." Thidiela also denied that he had insulted Hlungwani because he is a Shangaan.
The referee, Mr Victor Hlungwane, confirmed that Thidiela had called him on Monday morning and apologised for his threats.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) released a statement and condemned the (verbal) attack on referee Victor Hlungwani by Thidiela in the strongest terms: "As Safa, we are disappointed by Mr Thidiela's flagrant abuse of the match official, an attack peppered by open tribal undertones. This behaviour by the Leopards owner is against the basic norm of a football match as enshrined by the world governing body FIFA's Fair Play.
"Any intimidation on match officials by a club owner will, under no circumstances be tolerated. We have requested the referee, Mr Hlungwani to prepare his report upon which we will begin instituting disciplinary measures against Mr Thidiela."
The Premier Soccer League has called a meeting for Thursday, 20 September, to discuss these utterances allegedly made by Thidiela towards Hlungwani after becoming aware of the audio recording. The league distanced itself from any comment or utterance such as that which has been reported.
"Black Leopards is a member of the league, and both the club and Mr Thidiela are bound by the NSL Handbook. If the reported utterances are true, this would contravene the League Code of Ethics. Mr Thidiela has been afforded an opportunity to respond to this matter and provide such information as may be relevant," it said.