3 refs assaulted in Chipiku League matches
Referees Richard Grem, Jossam Nkhoma and Stefano Nkhumbwa sustained varying injuries during Chipiku Central Region Football Association (CRFA) League matches over the weekend, Central Region Football Referees Association (CRFRA) has confirmed.
According to CRFRA general secretary Duncan Lengani, Nkhoma, who was wounded on the left ear, was roughed up by Kamuzu Barracks Reserves goalkeeper Onenji Iwenga. The assault came after the referee red-carded him during their match against Master Security.
At Kasungu Community Centre ground, Kasungu Police supporters allegedly attacked Grem after playing out a one-all draw with Support Battalion on Saturday. The referee was left with a cut on his head.
In Salima, Lengani said Nkhumbwa was beaten by alleged Chikuluti supporters when they were playing Lake Valley.
“We are disappointed that our officials are being mercilessly beaten despite the fact that they do their work professionally,” he said yesterday. “We urge the league officials to stop these attacks.”
Nkhoma, one of the victims, said he was traumatised by the assault.
“It is really sad that we don’t have security during these matches. If this kind of situation continues, we will one day see a referee h being killed,” he said.
CRFA general secretary Bernard Chiwiruwiru Harawa has promised to investigate the matter and punish clubs that were involved.
“After going through a long spell without a violent incident, we are shocked to learn about these incidents. We will probe the matter and come up with a determination,” he said.
On safety of the referees, Harawa said their rules stipulate that the home teams are supposed to provide security to the officiating personnel.
“If a referee is beaten then the home team is supposed to be held accountable,” he said. n
