Following ugly scenes over the past weekend where a referee was attacked by fans and players stabbed, SAFA have promised to crack the whip.
The two incidents that took place within the SAFA Vhembe region in Limpopo during local league matches have shocked the football fraternity within the region. The region is led by president Jabulani Ndobe and has three professional teams playing PSL football.
In one of the incidents, things could have gone bad if it was not for the opposition fans who intervened. A match official was being kicked by the host team’s fans in protest over his officiating. It was in a match involving SAFA Vhembe Stream C1 match teams SAMSA and Ngwenani Young Chiefs.
In another game between Maranzhe Hungry Lions and Tshambobvu Junior Aces played at Maranzhe Ground in the same region, fans and players of Junior Aces were attacked. Some were stabbed by Hungry Lions supporters and fans. The incident happened shortly after the match.
SAFA have now issued a statement and promised to take swift action.
PLAYERS STABBED AFTER A LEAGUE MATCH
“SAFA Vhembe has received shocking news through match reports and is now aware of two separate incidents of assault on a match official and attacks on the players, fans, and supporters during two matches played over the past weekend,” said SAFA in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are very clear that all forms of anti-social behaviour, abuse and assaults on match officials and participants [fans, supporters, and officials] are completely unacceptable. We will not tolerate this in our game.
SAFA PROMISE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST HOOLIGANS
“Having seriously noted the severity of the two incidents. SAFA Vhembe has decided to suspend all home matches for both Ngwenani Young Chiefs and Maranzhe Hungry Lions. This is until such time they appear before the DC,” they said.
In terms of SAFA rules, the home team is expected to provide adequate security. This should also be extended to the opponents or visiting teams and match officials.
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