Drama as Motsepe League club walks off the pitch before full-time

A SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League match was abandoned on Saturday after one opponent walked off the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision.

A Stream A match between Munaca FC, coached by Sello Chokoe, and Winners Park was left with 13 minutes when the drama unfolded.

According to an eyewitness Munaca, the home side were leading 3-0 when they were awarded a penalty. It was the second penalty of the game for Munaca. Before the home side kicked the penalty, the visitors’ goalkeeper walked off towards his bench to consult with the technical team.

CLUB WALKS OFF THE PITCH IN PROTEST OF A PENALTY DECISION

A few moments later, all Winners Park players followed him as they walked to the team bus, in total shock of those in attendance at the Makhado Showgrounds. This is also the second time that Winners Park has walked off the pitch this season in protest of match officiating. 

The match officials subsequently decided to end the match as Munaca remained the only side on the pitch. SAFA provincial secretary Refiloe Khoza couldn’t be reached for comment.

MORE DRAMA IN THE SAFA LIMPOPO ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE

The latest incident doesn’t come as a surprise, especially in the Limpopo League. Last season, a scheduled League match was abandoned after one of the opponents decided to leave before kickoff.

Dolphins FC and Phinnet were set to play their match at 15:00. But there were no match officials to officiate the game. The referees reportedly arrived at 16:10.

Earlier this year, a match official was manhandled during a Limpopo stream of A local derby between Madridtas FC and Vondwe XI Bullets in Tshifudi outside Thohoyandou.

The incident began when a Madridtas FC player was allegedly offside. But the assistant referee close to the action did not raise the flag. The play resulted in a penalty for Madridtas. This resulted in players and managerial staff of Bullets charging towards the assistant referee.

The SAFA Vhembe has also been in the spotlight in recent times. This follows incidents of match referees being attacked by other clubs or supporters.

RELATED STORY: Another match official manhandled in the ABC Motsepe League