MAKONDE - Soccer legend Pele of Brazil calls it the beautiful game, and many agree with him. But the opposite of this sentiment occurred when five players from the amateur league, Sibasa District Football Association sustained serious injuries after being assaulted by players from the opposition, during a league match played at Makonde last Sunday.

The home side, Makonde Manchester United was leading by one goal to nil when players of Mutuwa Brazilians, of Vhufulwi allegedly started attacking the referee, with only fifteen minutes to the final whistle.

United's players who tried to protect the referee Steven Mulabo, who is differentially able, were also attacked by Brazilians' players. The Brazilians players were demanding a corner kick while the referee said the ball should be a goal kick, in favour of the local team.

Chaos then broke out when the Brazilians' fans stormed onto the field to support their players, who were allegedly busy assaulting players of United. The referee, Mulabo sustained injuries, after allegedly being assaulted with fists and soccer boots, while five of the United players sustained serious wounds after being hit by stones and broken bottles.

One of the injured players Nthambeleni Nematatani (24) suffered a broken hand while other players Dolezar Manyaga (26), Themba Khangale, Shoes Mudau (20) and Tshisevhe Davhana (21) sustained head injuries. All of them were treated at Donald Frazer Hospital.

Police who came in three vans managed to bring things under control. This fracas lasted for fifteen minutes. A criminal case was opened on the same day.

The league administrative manager David Ndou said they were concerned about the incident. "As a league, we want players to use soccer as another form of entertainment and create friendship with each other. Brazilians will be called to appear before the disciplinary committee next Saturday, where they will be charged for abandonment of the game and assaulting players of the opposition. We appeal to all teams to behave themselves and to promote friendship, as it is our game. If this team is found guilty, a deserving punishment will be served to send the message through," said Ndou.

United's assistant coach Lawrance Makhale said he is concerned that five of his players are now doubtful starters for the next games, "because of such barbaric actions. Besides this setback, we are ready for our next game against Makone Cobra All Stars, our neighbour on Sunday, January 26."