The South African Football Association [SAFA] has suspended JVW FC player Shannon Macomo with immediate effect, pending a formal disciplinary hearing, following the alleged physical assault of a match official.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 25 October 2026, after JVW FC’s 1-0 defeat to the University of Fort Hare FC in a Hollywoodbets Super League fixture held at Wits Stadium in Johannesburg.
Macomo allegedly physically attacked a young female referee after the final whistle, using her soccer boots to inflict facial injuries on the official.
SAFA ISSUES PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION
SAFA confirmed the disciplinary measure through an official statement issued on Saturday morning, noting that both the player and club have been served with formal notifications.
“JVW FC player Shannon Macomo has been suspended with immediate effect pending a SAFA disciplinary hearing,” SAFA stated.
“The move comes after an incident where a match official was allegedly assaulted by the player following their Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified match against the University of Fort Hare on Sunday, 25 October 2026 at the Wits Stadium in Johannesburg.
“Both Macomo and the club have been served with the provisional suspension letter. JVW FC faces the University of Johannesburg on Sunday at the Kabokweni Stadium in Mpumalanga.”
AKHONA MAKALIMA CONDEMNS THE ATTACK
The alleged assault triggered widespread condemnation across South African football, led by prominent PSL and FIFA referee Akhona Makalima, who voiced strong outrage over the incident.
“I am deeply disturbed and angered by reports that a young female referee was assaulted by a player from JVW, allegedly using her soccer boots to inflict injuries on the official’s face,” Makalima stated on her official Instagram account six days ago.
“Imagine being a parent who sends their daughter to officiate a football match, trusting that she will return home safely. But only for her to come home with marks on her face because someone chose violence over discipline, respect and sportsmanship. As a woman in sport, and someone who has dedicated her life to football, this is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable.
“We are working tirelessly to encourage parents to allow their daughters to participate in sport. We are advocating for the safety of women and girls, promoting safeguarding, and creating environments where young female athletes and match officials can thrive without fear. Yet, incidents of violence against match officials continue to undermine everything we are trying to build.
AKHONA MAKALIMA: ‘HOW MANY MATCH OFFICIALS MUST BE ASSAULTED BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN’
“How do we encourage young girls to participate in sport when the very environments meant to nurture them are becoming places of violence and intimidation? How many match officials must be assaulted before decisive action is taken? Must we wait for someone to lose their life before we collectively acknowledge the severity of this crisis?
“The ongoing hostility, hatred and brutality directed at match officials must come to an end. No disagreement over a decision, no frustration during a match, and no competitive pressure can ever justify physical violence. Football is not a battleground for uncontrolled anger. Football is not for gangsters. And a referee is never a punching bag.
AKHONA MAKALIMA CALLS ON ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO TAKE FIRM STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE
“I call upon football authorities, clubs, leagues, players, coaches and all stakeholders to take a firm stand against violence. Allegations of assault must be investigated thoroughly. Accountability must follow. Appropriate disciplinary measures must be applied without fear or favour. Safeguarding cannot remain a statement on paper; it must be evident in our actions.
“To my fellow match officials: we must stand together in solidarity. Our unity is our strength. We must demand safe working environments, respect for our profession, and meaningful protection against violence. No referee should have to fear for their physical safety simply for doing their job.
“To parents: your concerns are valid. To young girls aspiring to become athletes or match officials: you deserve to participate in sport with dignity, safety and confidence. Sport is supposed to instil discipline, encourage unity, teach respect and build character. What we are witnessing is a betrayal of those very values.
“We cannot continue to normalise violence against match officials. We cannot remain silent. And we cannot allow brutality to become part of the culture of our game. The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability is now. Protect our match officials. Safeguard our girls. Restore dignity to football.”
The attack has prompted calls across the South African football community for strict disciplinary measures, law enforcement intervention, and enhanced safety protocols for female match officials.
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