Violence halts Musina vs Phalaborwa SAFA match
A SAFA Limpopo match between Musina United and Phalaborwa United was abandoned after a referee was attacked by a supporter.
LIMPOPO – A Safa Limpopo ABC Motsepe League match between Musina United and Phalaborwa United erupted in violence this weekend at Musina Rugby Stadium, forcing officials to abandon the game.
The controversy started when Phalaborwa players and supporters accused assistant referee Evans Napo of favouritism after he disallowed a goal for offside.
Referee attacked during match
Reports say players, officials and some supporters confronted Napo, and the situation escalated when a supporter struck him with a beer bottle.
Additional supporters reportedly joined the fracas.
Game abandoned amid violence
Referee Kundani Netshandama stated in his report that the match, which had started evenly with both teams contesting for dominance, became too dangerous to continue.
Musina United were leading 2–1 when the game was halted in the 43rd minute of the second half, just two minutes from full time.
“He had no option but to stop the game as the situation was no longer conducive for play to continue,” the report said.
Musina United official John Ndou expressed surprise at the reaction from Phalaborwa: “Claiming that an offside decision should have been a goal does not make sense”.
A Phalaborwa United official, speaking anonymously, said he was disappointed with the officiating and claimed that the assistant referee had disagreed with the main referee on several decisions.
Safa and police investigate
SAFA Limpopo administrator Refilwe Khoza confirmed that representatives from both teams, along with match officials, will appear before the league’s disciplinary committee.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that an assault case had been opened at Musina police station.
No arrests had been made, and investigations are ongoing.
