LIMPOPO – The Safa Vhembe Hollywood Bets stream E league match between log leaders Muraleni United and Benny’s Care at Tshiozwi ground had to be abandoned on Saturday after the referee was assaulted.
Benny’s Care players and their coach confronted the referee, Geron Kutama over a red card that was awarded.
The match ended in controversy after Kutama was assaulted, and having been accused of favouritism. According to the referee’s report, the match started out well with both teams fighting for superiority. The score was 1-1 all draw when violence erupted 43 minutes into the first half, with only two minutes left before the break. Kutama furthermore stated in the report that the situation was no longer conducive to carry on and that he had no other option but to stop the match.
Benny’s Care coach Mbishi Mokoena said he was “shocked and disappointed” by the referee’s decisions. “Losing a match unfairly demoralises both the players and the technical staff. I was shocked by the way the match was handled.”
Safa Vhembe secretary Sam Matodzi said he was still awaiting reports from both teams, the referee and the assistant referees. “Once we get these reports, Benny’s Care will appear before a disciplinary hearing and they will be charged for the abandonment of the game and assaulting the referee,” he remarked.
He said as Safa, they were concerned about the incident and the conduct displayed. “We want players to use soccer as a form of entertainment and create friendships, not fight with each other.”
