Referees demand better security

Sports Reporter

THE Zifa Referees Committee chairman Norman Matemera believes there is need for more security at Division One matches to minimise attacks on match officials.

This follows Saturday’s abandonment of the Northern Region Soccer League clash between Shamva Mine and MWOS following a late goal by the visitors, which triggered the home crowd.

The league’s disciplinary committee is looking into the matter and a decision is expected soon given the implications on the title race where MWOS are locked in a tight battle with Harare City, Scottland and Black Rhinos.

Looking back at the Saturday incident, Matemera said they were saddened by the violence that rocked Shamva Mine.

He highlighted that the Northern Region Soccer League had so far recorded the highest number of violent incidents against match officials.

“We are very much saddened by such a barbaric way of supporting a team. Violence has no place in our sport. This is the third incident from the Northern Region. It is worrisome to note that some communities are still this primitive in failing to appreciate that in football, we have three results.

“At one point, we had withdrawn our services from one of their teams. We also withdrew our services from a team in the Eastern Region.

“We believe that the Northern Region can do more to protect match officials through hefty fines and stadium bans,” said Matemera.

The referees feel there is inadequate security at lower division matches.

“In all the instances where violence against referees has been perpetrated, especially in our Division One, there will be about two of three police officers. We feel this number is too little considering the number of spectators at the venues.

“The way forward is to encourage clubs to hire more police officers to cover their matches. The leagues must hand heavy fines to errant clubs,” said Matemera.