A SAFA match official received death threats before the Regional League clash on Wednesday, 3 May 2023.
The allegations come after the SAFA Cape Town Regional League match between Greenwood Athletic and Junction Rovers was called off.
This happens because lower division clubs desperately want to secure a promotion to the ABC Motsepe League.
It is alleged that the referee received death threats before the match, and the game was officially called off as the match official feared for his life.
Shenanigans in the lower divisions [amateur leagues] never seem to come to an end. In most cases, match officials have to run for their lives with fans intending to physically assault them when things don’t go accordingly for their respective teams.
SAFA Cape Town has since come forward to confirm that, indeed, the match was called off because of the death threats received by the referee.
The decision to postpone the game was made solely in the interest of safety and without prejudice to any of the teams competing in the evening’s fixture.
Meanwhile, a game between Goal 50 and Matroosfontein also had to be postponed due to a clash of kit colours. The game was called off by the appointed match official.
TWO MATCHES POSTPONED
“We hereby confirm that two games in the SAFA Cape Town Men’s Regional Leagues were postponed for various reasons,” said SAFA Cape Town.
“The match between Greenwood and Junction Rovers was called off. This was due to threats that were circulated relating to the appointed match officials.
“Meanwhile, the game between Goal 50 and Matroosfontein was postponed because there was a clash of kit colours.”
As things stand, the SAFA Cape Town Competitions Committee awaits the report from the Referees Department. There will also be an urgent meeting on Thursday, 04 May 2023. The meeting will be about finding a way forward regarding the two matters.
SAFA CAPE TOWN EXPECTED TO ISSUE AN UPDATE IN DUE COURSE
“Once a decision is reached, the Region will advise and communicate accordingly,” added the SAFA Cape Town.
“This is not the first time an incident of this nature has occurred at the latter stages of this competition. And in order to mitigate risks associated with any threat, the Region needs to take such matters with extreme seriousness and caution.
“We have a duty to protect the safety of our spectators, players, coaches, managers, staff, and match officials. And will do so at all times whenever necessary.”
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