Safa Vhembe abandon match after player attack
SMSA FC and Dzwerani United Brothers abandon their match after a player was struck by a beer bottle, citing safety concerns.
LIMPOPO – The Safa Vhembe Hollywood Bets League match between Dzwerani United Brothers and SMSA FC was abandoned last Sunday after SMSA’s players left the field while trailing 3-1.
The match, played at the Dzwerani Grounds, was halted when an SMSA player was allegedly struck by a beer bottle. With only 20 minutes of regular time remaining, SMSA’s coach entered the pitch and instructed his players to leave, claiming their safety was at risk.
The referee called both captains and stated that the match had to continue, but SMSA’s coach insisted on withdrawing his team. The referees then waited until the full 90 minutes had elapsed before officially stopping play. United Brothers manager, Phathutshedzo Ndou, confirmed that his team was leading when SMSA officials entered the pitch. During the commotion, SMSA players and officials attempted to restore order by urging their supporters to leave, but they refused.
SMSA chairperson Mboniseni Nemaangani stated that his team had been awarded a corner kick, but their captain was unable to take it due to objects being thrown at him. He was struck by a beer bottle, prompting concerns for player safety, he said. The captain alerted match officials that the situation had become too dangerous, and SMSA officials believed the unrest was instigated by United Brothers supporters.
Safa Vhembe executive committee secretary, Sam Matodzi, confirmed that reports from the referee and both teams were pending. Once received, the two teams would be summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing to address the match abandonment.
