By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SAFA Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim has confirmed that the association has suspended referee Siyabonga Nkomo and his assistant Thamanga Sebati for “four to eight weeks”.
There were ugly scenes at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night after Sekhukhune United were defeated 2-1 in controversial fashion by Moroka Swallows.
Just when Wednesday night’s game looked destined for a 1-1 draw, Swallows snatched a late goal in dramatic fashion to bag maximum points. The Birds’ stoppage-time winner was controversially given as an own goal from Sekhukhune keeper Ali Sangare, who crossed his goal line with the ball in his hands after it appeared he was pushed by Swallows striker Gabadinho Mhango.
Sekhukhune’s bench and players angrily remonstrated with the match officials after the decision to allow the goal.
Nkomo was the match referee, with Mokoena the first assistant and Romeo Matibidi the second. Neermal Boodhoo was the match commissioner. The match officials were escorted from the field by security after being pelted with missiles by angry Sekhukhune fans after the final whistle.
The win was the first for new Swallows coach Steve Komphela in their fourth match in all competitions in 2023-2024.