The Zimbabwe Football Association has warned unruly football players to desist from abusing match officials, reiterating that perpetrators will be duly punished.
By Tendai Chisiri
ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela spoke to ZIFA official website, emphasizing the need for football stakeholders to accord match officials the respect they deserve
“The Zimbabwe Football Association is horrified by the growing trend of unsporting conduct characterizing local football.
“We have always stated that we will never allow violence to mar the beauty of our football.
“In that respect, we are going to directly lobby for an immediate imposition of punishment on the offending parties in order to heavily deter those who may be tempted to indulge in such inappropriate conduct in future.
“Our referees are professionals and they have a huge responsibility which encompasses making important decisions in a short space of time. For that reason, they deserve every football lover’s utmost respect and protection from victimization and intimidation,” he said.
The word of caution comes in the aftermath of two separate attacks on referees during Southern Region Division one league matches; both involving Victoria Falls based Amagagasi Football Club (FC).
Victoria Falls Tigers FC defender, Lethukuthula Mathe is alleged to have punched referee, Bekezela Makeka ‘several times’ in retaliation to a red card that had been brandished by the official on 25 September 2016.
Artwell Nyoni of Technosphere is also alleged to have attacked a match official, Mhaka Magare during his team’s clash with Amagagasi FC just a week before the latest incident.
Any disciplinary procedures to be undertaken will be guided by the match commissioner and the referee’s reports.
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