OPUWO – The Kunene Regional Second Division Football League has suspended the league game between Khaibasen FC and Khorixas Football Academy (KFA) after a player from Khaibasen reportedly assaulted a referee, following the referee’s decision to award a penalty to KFA.
Players from Khaibasen, who felt the referee’s decision to award KFA a penalty was unfair and without aptitude, protested, bringing Sunday’s match at the Herbert Conradie Stadium in Khorixas to a standstill in the 36th minute.
The score of the match remained 0-0.
The vice chairperson of the league, Bolla Nangombe, confirmed in a statement yesterday that the match between the two rivals has been postponed after a player from Khaibasen FC attacked the referee.
“The Khaibasen players contested the penalty kick that Khorixas Football Academy was granted at the moment of abandonment, and the match officials decided to leave the pitch to protect themselves,” said Nangombe.
He stated that the matter would be forwarded to the Kunene Football League leadership for a determination upon receipt of the match officials’ report.
A source, who anonymously spoke to Nampa yesterday, said this was not the first time the team had acted in such a manner.
The source mentioned a previous instance in which players from the team reportedly attacked the referee during a game against Gariseb Orlando Pirates in Khorixas two months ago.
Another incident allegedly occurred last month in the PstBet NFA Cup Kunene Region final game against Robber Chanties, where supporters and players also vigorously objected to the referee’s call.
The postponed match on Sunday was part of the league’s 14th round, which also saw Ugab defeat Okarindi Komutati 1-0 and Kunene NamPol and Sixty Eleven tie one-all.
Pubs FC suffered a 2-0 loss to Young Eagles.
Etosha United and Gariseb Orlando played to a 1-1 draw, and Green Dangers handed Robber Chanties their first league loss in a thrilling 4-2 encounter. – Nampa