LIMPOPO – A crucial Safa Vhembe Singo Fuel league stream E match between Daniel Mubva FC and log leaders Ramantsha Blackpool was abandoned last Sunday after the referee collapsed during the game at Ravele Grounds.

A large crowd had gathered to watch the highly anticipated encounter, with both teams producing entertaining football from the outset.

Match was finely poised

The match started at a fast pace, with Daniel Mubva opening the scoring in the early stages before Blackpool equalised shortly afterwards.

By the time the match was halted, Blackpool were leading 3-2 with 18 minutes remaining.

Referee Matodzi Sadiki collapsed on the field of play and was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Attempt to continue rejected

According to reports, the two teams later consulted referee selector Dr Samuel Tshigomana, who indicated that the first assistant referee could take charge and allow the match to continue for the remaining minutes.

However, Daniel Mubva players refused to resume play, resulting in the abandonment of the fixture.

Blackpool coach: ‘We believe the league will award us the points’

Blackpool coach Ronald Ramaligela expressed disappointment over the decision not to continue the match.

“We were leading 3-2 and needed maximum points to strengthen our position at the top of the log. We have only one match remaining and are still unbeaten this season.

“We believe the league will award us the points because our opponents refused to continue with the match,” he said.

Daniel Mubva captain defends decision

Daniel Mubva captain Mpho Khantshi defended his team’s decision.

“This was a crucial match for both teams. We felt it could not continue without the referee who had been officiating the game. He collapsed on the field and was taken to hospital,” he said.

Safa Vhembe awaiting reports

Safa Vhembe general secretary Samuel Matodzi confirmed that the association is awaiting reports from both clubs and the match officials before deciding on the next course of action.

“We are waiting for reports from the teams and the referee before summoning all parties to a disciplinary hearing,” he said.

Matodzi added that the association wishes Sadiki a speedy recovery and noted that this was the first time a match official had collapsed during a Safa Vhembe league fixture.