Khaibasen FC Faces 20-Year Ban and 17 Players Suspended After Referee Assault

A football match in Namibia's Kunene Regional Second Division Football League was abruptly halted on Sunday following an alleged assault on a referee by a Khaibasen FC player. The incident occurred during a game between Khaibasen FC and Khorixas Football Academy (KFA) at the Herbert Conradie Stadium in Khorixas.

The altercation happened in the 36th minute when the referee awarded a penalty to KFA, which Khaibasen players contested vigorously. With the score tied at 0-0, tensions escalated, leading to an alleged physical attack on the match official by a Khaibasen player. The referee and other match officials decided to leave the field for their safety, resulting in the game's abandonment.

Bolla Nangombe, vice president of the Kunene Regional Second Division Football League, confirmed the suspension of the match and stated that the incident would be referred to the league's management for a final decision. This incident is not isolated, as Khaibasen players have been involved in previous aggression cases against referees, including incidents against Gariseb Orlando Pirates and Robber Chanties in recent months.

The Kunene Football League has imposed severe penalties on Khaibasen FC, suspending 17 players and banning the club from participating in the league for 20 years. This decision highlights the league's zero-tolerance policy towards violence and aggression against match officials.

Nangombe emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "The Khaibasen players challenged the penalty awarded by the Khorixas Football Academy at the time of the abandonment, and the match officials decided to leave the field of play to protect themselves." He also highlighted the league's commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of its matches.

The incident occurred during the league's 14th round, which saw other matches proceed without incident. Ugab secured a 1-0 victory over Okarindi Komutati, while Green Dangers defeated Robber Chanties 4-2, handing them their first league defeat. The league's other matches included a 1-1 draw between Kunene NamPol and Sixty Eleven, a 2-0 win for Young Eagles over Pubs FC, and a 1-1 draw between Etosha United and Gariseb Orlando Pirates.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by football leagues worldwide in maintaining discipline and ensuring the safety of match officials. The severe penalties imposed on Khaibasen FC serve as a harsh warning of the consequences of violent behavior in sports.

The Kunene Football League's decisive action aims to deter future incidents and uphold the integrity of the sport. The league moves forward, remaining committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for players, officials, and fans alike.

Key Takeaways

• Khaibasen FC player allegedly assaults referee in Namibian league match.
• Match abandoned in 36th minute with score tied at 0-0.
• Khaibasen FC suspended for 20 years, 17 players banned.
• Incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining discipline in football.
• Kunene Football League takes decisive action to uphold sport's integrity.