The Castle Lager Premier league match between FC Platinum and Caps United on Saturrday was abandoned in the 86th minute due to security concerns by the referees after crowd trouble.
FC Platinum were leading 1-0 courtesy of a Juan Mutudza first-half strike. With the match drawing to an end, Caps United thought they had equalised through Ralph Kawondera.
However, assistant referee Mncedisi Maphosa raised his flag to signal offside. Centre referee Lloyd Mapanje went over to the assistant to consult, and Caps United fans invaded the pitch.
After a 20-minute stoppage, match commissioner Brighton Nyika declared the match abandoned as a result of security concerns by the referees.
“At the moment, I can’t comment on what happened during the match but the match failed to be completed because the referees felt they were no longer safe,” he said.
Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was livid with the match officiating describing the exhibition by the referees as comical.
“The problem in our football has been such that the wrong man takes the centre, it is unfortunate, it has reduced this league to a comic show,” he said. “It’s something that needs to be eradicated from our football if we are to be a serious football nation. This is disheartening that a referee takes centre stage and it has been happening week in week out.
“This has taken away from the boy what could have been a goal of the season contender. But some stupid man took that opportunity away which is very, very unfortunate. But we will always talk about it.”
FC Platinum assistant coach Daniel Veremu declined to comment.
“Football is an emotional game so I do not like to comment, the referees are the ones who are qualified to give these decisions because they are better positioned,” Veremu said.
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