WANDERERS’ CHAIR STATEMENT IRRESPONSIBLE

In world football, referees have one of the toughest jobs.

Every decision could have a major role in the outcome of the game, and possibly the season as well. Every referee has to make difficult decisions and will get criticised at some point by players, managers and fans. The good referees are those who can live with criticism and can make correct decisions most of the time. An official’s instincts are crucial to their decision-making and there is every possibility of him making a serious blunder in a game. For example, the Chelsea versus Barcelona game in the Champions League a couple of seasons ago drew the ire of Chelsea players, in particular Michael Ballack, who went so far as to run alongside the official for at least 10 yards, screaming and flailing his arms in anger. Back in 2018, Ballack tore into referee Damir Skomina, for failing to award Chelsea a penalty in their Champions League last-16 second leg 3-0 defeat to Barcelona.  It was a difficult game for the referee and he came under immense scrutiny.

abuse

We see players berate and abuse referees with little consequences. We witness post match interviews where coaches criticise the referee’s decisions. This puts into question whether the sporting bodies that control the rules and regulations are giving enough protection to referees. As the battle for supremacy and survival in the MTN Premier League heats up, referees find themselves in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. One particular incident which hogged newspaper headlines in the past week was the one involving the midweek titanic clash between sworn rivals Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Wanderers. The latter again ended with the wooden part of the spoon after losing by 0-1, which was the third straight defeat by the same score line against their rivals. While some of the decisions by referee of the day Thulani Sibandze left much to be desired; the rigmarole from Wanderers, especially from one of their officials, was uncalled for.

bolstering

“Next season I’m bolstering my squad. I’ll sign around four players and one good and reliable referee,” Wanderers Management Committee Chairman, Mlungisi Ndzinisa, was quoted saying by our sister publication - the Eswatini News. That is an irresponsible statement - period. Even if it was made in jest, it was not supposed to be a public statement. Wanderers claimed that they deserved to be awarded at least two penalties, claiming one of the goal-bound shots was wiped to safety by a hand. This statement does not only ridicule the country’s refereeing profession, but it brings football into disrepute. Never mind that it leaves one with a lot of unanswered questions; it is unheard of in world football. The utterances are also in contravention of Article 13.3 of the MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations and can attract a fine of up to E20 000. “Clubs, officials, supporters, fans shall not publish or make statements that may bring the sponsors, the PLE (Premier League of Eswatini) and all its sub-committees into disrepute. Anyone or any club that commits this offence shall be brought before the DC for disciplinary action, and if found, the person(s) and/or the club(s) shall be fined an amount not exceeding E20 000 by the DC,” reads the Article.

attack

While the attack on the referee is unfortunate,  it is also high time the Sipho Kunene-chaired National Referees Committee takes drastic action against referees who perform poorly. In a recent game at Mavuso Sports Centre, a blunder had to be corrected after an award of a side net goal. While there is never a right time to make questionable decisions when it comes to refereeing; at this stage of the season, they have to be at their utmost best. In other countries like neighbouring South Africa, referees are not allowed to ‘get away with murder’. In recent times, the South African Football Association (SAFA) Referees Committee came down hard on certain match officials after poor decisions in Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches.

suspended

One assistant referee Mervyn van Wyk, who officiated Amazulu’s clash against Kaizer Chiefs was suspended for four weeks. The same sanction was handed to assistant referee Athuxolo Madela, who officiated the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Baroka. After the decision, the two assistant referees were only eligible to officiate in regional league matches (both men and women). Technical instructors were assigned to help them with their rehabilitation – and they were expected to send a comprehensive report on the improvement of the two assistant referees. We need this, but it is not a decision that can be implemented overnight. The bottom line is, consistent poor refereeing should not go unpunished. NB: This is a weekly column to appear on Tuesdays. Comments should be sent to ashmondnzima85@gmail.com OR sports@times.co.sz.

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