Silver coach, others, condemned for attacking referees

Silver Strikers mentor Peter De Jongh is coming under heavy criticism for charging to punch a referee after a barren draw at home against in-form Chitipa United on Saturday.

The Dutch tactician was seen running with tempers towards the center referee after the final whistle but he was blocked by security detail at the stadium which included police and stewards as well as his goalkeeper Charles Thom.

Granting an interview to the media after the match, De Jongh accused the referees of stealing points from them for decisions that he thought his side did not deserve.

“The referee has stolen three points for me and my team. He added no extra time in the second half. How is that possible? It is a shame.” De Jongh said angrily.

Reacting to the development through a statement, the National Football Coaches Association has condemned the conduct of the coach and has called on the management at the club to summon the referee for his continued misconduct.

“According to rules governing the game, there are proper and respectful ways to express discontent that do not tarnish the reputation of both the coaching profession and the game of football.”

The coaches body further hinted that; “we have initiated discussions with the leadership of Silver Strikers to address the current situation.”

Elsewhere in Mzuzu, there was a chaotic scene on Sunday when referee Rose Zimba and her assistants were assaulted by Blue Eagles players after the police side lost 1 nil away to Ekwendeni Hammers on Sunday.

Football stakeholders have since condemned the acts of hooliganism portrayed by some people and have called on the authorities to take the violators of the law to task.

The Super League of Malawi is yet to formally charge the culprits.

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