LIMPOPO – Sunday’s highly anticipated derby between Safa Vhembe Hollywood Bets League stream E leaders, Makhitha Oscar Stars, and Ramantsha Blackpool ended in controversy after Stars’ players and officials refused to allow a penalty against them to be taken.
The match played at Makhitha Grounds, was abandoned with the score tied at 1-1.
The game had been fiercely contested, with both teams showing solid defensive play. Stars struggled to capitalise on attacking opportunities due to hesitation in their midfield.
The balance shifted in the second half when the referee awarded Blackpool a penalty, which sparked strong protests from Stars. Players and officials stormed the pitch in protest, refusing to continue the game.
Stars team manager, Thusani Luvhengo, expressed frustration with the officiating.
“The referee allowed play to continue for a long time before suddenly awarding a penalty,” he said. On the other side, Blackpool’s manager, Desmond Murwamphia, confirmed that the match collapsed after Stars confronted the referee and refused to play on.
This is not the first time Stars have been involved in such an incident. Last year, their chairperson, Oscar Sirovha, ordered his players off the pitch during a match against Blackpool at the same venue. The Safa Vhembe disciplinary committee later found them guilty and imposed a R6 000 fine.
Safa Vhembe secretary, Sam Matodzi, said they are awaiting reports from the teams, the referee, and assistant referees before deciding on disciplinary action.
“Once we receive these reports, the teams will appear before a disciplinary hearing,” he said. Matodzi also urged clubs to maintain discipline and prevent acts of misconduct, including attacks on match officials and players.
