Limpopo club expelled from football for beating a referee

SAFA Limpopo has expelled Phalaborwa United FC from all ABC Motsepe League competitions for two years after being found guilty of beating up a referee.

The incident took place during a Nedbank Cup qualifier match against Vondwe XI Bullets at Makhado Show Ground on 19 September 2026.

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A ruling by the SAFA DC found that Phalaborwa United players and spectators confronted and assaulted the referee after a penalty was awarded to Vondwe XI Bullets late in the match.

The referee’s report stated that supporters also threw objects at him, forcing him to flee the area until police arrived.

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Phalaborwa United pleaded not guilty, but the disciplinary panel ultimately found the club guilty.

As part of the sanction, Phalaborwa United were fined R20,000, with R10,000 suspended, meaning R10,000 is payable within seven days of receiving the outcome.

The club was also, while Vondwe XI Bullets was declared the match winner, and are set to face Selwana White Vultures in the next round of the Nedbank Cup preliminary round.