Ugly scenes marred the MMK Administrators Soccer League game between Makovha All Stars and Dididi Flying Swallows at Makovha on Sunday. The match ended prematurely and the referee was assaulted by players of Flying Swallows; league administrators are in the process of investigating the match.

Stars took the lead in the fourth minute. Their diminutive striker, Nkateko “Botana” Khosa, went loose from the centre of the pitch and beat the keeper with a half-volley. The referee, Mr Simon Mathebula, warned Maxwell Muthabeni of All Stars with a card in the 14th minute. He tackled Azwihangwisi Mulaudzi from behind.

Things turned against Swallows in the 24th minute. Their midfielder, Ndivheni Mpfariseni, was given his marching orders for retaliation. A defender of All Stars, Humbelani Mulaudzi, and his keeper, Maanda Ndou, were also booked for wasting time towards the end of the first half.

Flying Swallows realized that it was not their day when they were reduced to nine men. Nengwani Mulaudzi saw red for pulling Botana Khosa's jersey just outside the box. The incident caused the Stars’ players and fans to confront the referee angrily, accusing him of biased refereeing. The situation calmed down, however, and the game continued as if nothing had happened.

Khosa completed his brace, following a neat pass from Azwitamini Netsianda, in the 74th minute. The situation turned ugly after the goal. The players of Flying Swallows, led by their captain, Mashudu Munyai, confronted the referee in anger. They argued that the goal scorer had been in an offside position.

The lone referee was assaulted with fists during the ordeal. He was rescued by concerned fans, who intervened. Realizing that his life was in danger, the referee blew the final whistle.

The league administrator, Ms Nancy Tshikumbane, confirmed receipt of the referee’s report regarding the incident. She indicated that Dididi Flying Swallows will soon be summoned to appear before the league’s disciplinary committee to answer to the charges relating to the assault of the referee and the abandonment of the game.