Picture: Roshan Rajopadhyaya from Pixabay
Tensions are running high in Hollywoodbets Soccer League following the expulsion of Lethabo United FC. The decision has sparked criticism from the club’s management, who believe the punishment is unfairly harsh.
The controversy stems from an on-field altercation that took place last year during a match between Lethabo United and Kimberley United.
The heated encounter escalated when the captains of both teams engaged in a physical altercation. Referee intervention saw both captains receive red cards, leading to the match being provisionally stopped for tempers to cool off.
However, what followed ultimately led to severe disciplinary consequences for the Lethabo United club.
According to Lethabo United’s team manager, Benedict Soul, some of the club’s supporters reacted angrily, throwing bottles onto the field and even overturning a goalpost. The chaos forced officials to abandon the match entirely.
A disciplinary committee later convened to assess the incident, during which Lethabo United admitted to being guilty of the altercation. Despite this, Soul argues that the team is being unfairly punished for the actions of its supporters.
“I feel that it was very unfair. Both captains received red cards, but it was only our team that was expelled from the league, while nothing happened to the other captain,” Soul told the DFA.
He further stated that while Lethabo United accepts its role in the incident, the expulsion is excessive, particularly given that it was their first offence. “They could have given us a fine instead. Now we have players who are sitting at home, unable to play football,” he added.
Soul insists that other teams have been involved in more severe incidents, including physical altercations and property damage, yet they were not expelled from their leagues.
“There have been cases where teams threw rocks at vehicles and caused major damage, but they were not removed from the leagues. We just want to be fined and put back into the league so that our players can continue playing,” he pleaded.
However, the Frances Baard Football Association has stood by its decision. Regional secretary Ponatshego Mondela confirmed Lethabo United’s expulsion and defended the disciplinary committee’s ruling.
“After Lethabo United FC was charged, they were informed that they would need to appear before a disciplinary committee. The charge was serious, and they eventually pleaded guilty to all the charges. They also had no mitigating circumstances.
“Therefore, the outcome was expulsion,” Mondela stated.
He further emphasised that the conduct displayed during the match was unacceptable.
“What happened was unfootball-like, and we will not condone such actions. They also had an opportunity to appeal their expulsion, but they did not make use of their right. It is unfortunate that we now have to deal with this in the media,” Mondela added.
While the league maintains its stance on enforcing discipline, Lethabo United remains adamant that the decision was unjust. As the debate continues, the club’s future in competitive football seems very bleak indeed.
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