Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has condemned the behaviour of Silver Strikers Coach Pieter de Jongh, who charged towards referees after a goal-less draw with Chitipa United at Civo Stadium on Saturday.
Immediately after the final whistle, the Dutchman sprinted towards referee Davie Chombo but his intention was unknown.
Security personnel, together with some Silver players including goalkeeper Charles Thom and officials, controlled him before he got to the referee.
Sulom General Secretary Williams Banda condemned the incident, saying the body will take action after reviewing match officials’ reports.
“We condemn the acts of misconduct that happened; we will wait for reports for necessary action,” Banda said in a written response.
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Silver were, as a home team, responsible for all match details.
In a post-match reaction, de Jongh had no kind words for the referees.
“We need fair play in Malawi football. The referee refused to give a red card [to a Chitipa player] and robbed us of two points. There was no extra time. Big shame on Malawi football,” de Jongh said.
The Silver boss has been criticising local administrators and standards of pitches.
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In his first four competitive games, de Jongh attracted three bookings.
Minus poor officiating, it was an entertaining match between the two sides.
Chitipa nearly took the lead in the seventh minute after Ramadhan Ntafu’s attempt hit the woodwork.
However, Silver had several chances but Patrick Macheso and Stain Davie lacked composure in front of the goal.
In the second half, substitute Atusaye Nyondo also wasted a good opportunity.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama also condemned the incident.
“This should not be treated with kid gloves. I do not know what he wanted to do when he ran into the field after the final whistle. But this should be restrained. If he wants to have a word with the officiating panel, let him meet them in the tunnel as they retire towards the dressing room,” Chinyama said.
Despite the draw, Silver maintained top spot with 25 points from 11 matches, three points above defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets, who shared the spoils with their rivals Mighty Mukuru Wanderers after another goal-less draw at Kamuzu Stadium.
The Central Bankers are the only unbeaten side in the TNM Super League this season.
