Violence broke out towards the end of the SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League match between Musina United and Phalaborwa United at the Musina Rugby Stadium this past weekend.
The match ended in controversy when players and supporters of Phalaborwa United accused assistant referee Evans Napo of favouritism after he disallowed a goal, ruling that the player was offside.
According to reports, Phalaborwa players, together with some supporters and officials, confronted Napo after the decision. The situation allegedly turned violent when a supporter struck the assistant referee with a beer bottle. More supporters reportedly joined the fracas.
According to the referee’s report, the match had started well, with both teams battling for dominance. Musina United were leading 2–1 when the match was stopped in the 43rd minute of the second half, with only two minutes remaining in the game.
The referee, Kundani Netshandama, stated in his report that the situation had become too dangerous to continue.
“He had no option but to stop the game as the situation was no longer conducive for play to continue,” the report stated.
Musina United official Mr John “Black” Ndou said he was surprised by Phalaborwa’s reaction.
“Claiming that an offside decision should have been a goal does not make sense,” he said.
A Phalaborwa United official, who requested anonymity, said he was disappointed by the officiating and claimed that the assistant referee had differed with the referee on several decisions during the match.
SAFA Limpopo administrator Refilwe Khoza confirmed that representatives from both teams, together with the match officials, would appear before the league’s disciplinary committee.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service in Limpopo confirmed that a case of assault had been opened at the Musina police station. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting, and investigations were continuing.