Wa Ganyu
Reports reaching Wa Ganyu indicate that four referees who officiated the much talked game between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mafco FC have been suspended.
The TNM Super League clash, played at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday, was officiated by referee Kasimu Shaibu Amadu, 1st assistant referee Sibande Sibusiso, 2nd assistant referee Mailosi Fanuel and fourth official Maulana Honest.
Wa Ganyu has found out that just after the game, the FAM referees subcommittee analysed the match and made a recommendation based on their performances, match report and backed by video evidence.
During their meeting, the committee analyzed the report submitted by the officiating panel which indicated that “everything went on well.”
“One goal was scored, two yellow cards were given, everything went on well,” reads part of the officiating panel’s report.
But the committee, after evaluating all materials at hand, has decided to penalize the officiating team as confided by our source.
The source said the fourth official has been banned for 8 months while the centre referee will be away from his whistle for a 6 months period.
One assistant referee has been given a four months ban while the other has just been warned.
“This is what the committee has decided and this has been presented to FAM’s general secretary to sign,” said the source.
The match was marred by unsporting incidents in added time when two Mafco players, Vitumbiko Phiri and Blessings Chandiyang’ana were seen stamping their boot studs on helpless Wongani Lungu and injuring the Bullets attacker in the process.
Referee Shaibu was near the incident area but could not issue a red card to the two players apart from yellow card to Mafco goalkeeper Christopher Mikuwa.
The Super League of Malawi has since charged Mafco and its four players. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Bullets.
