Football club apologises for assaulting referee during Makamu Festive Games final
Coach and players take responsibility for unsporting conduct, seeking forgiveness from tournament sponsor, organisers, and opponents.
Members of the Snack Is A Snack Football Club (SIASFC) involved in the assault of a referee during the final of the Makamu Festive Games apologised for their unsporting behaviour.
The SIASFC players and coach took up the responsibility to ask for forgiveness from the sponsor of the games Bishop Israel Makamu, as well as to the organisers, referee and their opponents, the Kathorus Juventus FC (KJFC), at the Endless Hope Bible Church in Alberton on January 12.
KJFC beat SIASFC 2-1 in that match at Huntersfield Stadium, on January 4.
SIASFC coach Jabulani Radebe told Kathorus MAIL his team went to the church to meet with officials to ask for forgiveness and apologise for their misbehaviour during the final.
“A rumour caused our awful behaviour. One of our fans spread it, saying to the players and fans the opposition team bribed the referee for us to lose the match.
“The fan also informed us the opposition team would get a penalty. When that happened during the match and both teams were equal on points, our fans became unruly and interrupted the match,” Radebe explained.
He added he does not have enough proof that the referee was bribed.
“There is no evidence that the referee received bribe money from any team. However, chaos erupted after the final whistle; our fans and players could not control their emotions and attacked the referee. I tried to stop my players from getting involved, but I could not,” said Radebe.
The director of SIASFC, Mathapelo Magano, also read out a statement of apology on behalf of the team in the Endless Hope Bible Church.
“I understand our actions were unacceptable and disturbing. I also understand the inconvenience and disappointment this may have caused in the tournament. This apology was not only for the sponsor, Mr Makamu, it also goes to the tournament organisers, officials, referees, opponents and fans.
“We take full responsibility for our actions and assure you this behaviour does not reflect the sporting standard of our team. Football is an emotional sport, but that does not justify our unruly behaviour,” Magano. said.
Makamu has accepted the apology from the team.
“I am touched by SIASFC coming here to apologise; this is proof they regret what they did. I will continue to sponsor the festive games,” Makamu, said.
