The Tshwane Regional Football Association (TRFA) notes with serious concern the unfortunate incident that occurred during the match between Mamelodi All Stars and Spartans at Giant Stadium on Sunday, 21 June 2026. The Tshwane Regional Football Association (TRFA) expresses serious concern about the regrettable occurrence that happened on Sunday, June 21, 2026, during the Mamelodi All Stars vs. Spartans game at Giant Stadium.
The match referee was attacked after the Mamelodi All Stars vs. Spartans game, despite most of the day’s events being satisfactorily concluded in a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.
While the majority of the day’s fixtures were successfully concluded in a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, an incident occurred following the Mamelodi All Stars versus Spartans match, during which the match referee was assaulted.
The TRFA condemns in the strongest possible terms any form of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at match officials, players, spectators, football administrators, or any stakeholder involved in the game. Referees play a critical role in the administration of football and must be respected and protected at all times.
I would like to place on record that the other three fixtures scheduled for the day were completed successfully and without incident, demonstrating the commitment of our clubs, players, officials, and supporters to the values of fair play and sportsmanship.
Following the incident, the referee was safely escorted out of Giant Stadium by me, in my capacity as Acting President of the TRFA, with the assistance of the Chairperson of Mamelodi All Stars, officials from Spartans Football Club, members of the Referees Committee, and members of the local community who assisted in ensuring the immediate safety and well-being of the match official. The TRFA extends its appreciation to all those who acted responsibly and swiftly during a difficult situation.
The TRFA further confirms that the affected referee received medical attention following the incident. The Regional Executive members (Mr. Nkosi, Mrs. Hendricks, and Mr. Matlou) visited him in hospital, and after his release from hospital, the REC arranged for the referee to be taken to a medical doctor for a further examination and assessment of any additional injuries arising from the assault. The health, safety, and welfare of our match officials remain a priority, and the TRFA will continue to provide the necessary support during his recovery.
On behalf of the Tshwane Regional Football Association, I wish to extend our sincere and unreserved apologies to the host, Soshanguve Local Football Association, the sixteen local football associations that form part of the Tshwane football family, all participating clubs, players, spectators, member associations, match officials, sponsors, and stakeholders affected by this unfortunate incident. We acknowledge that the security arrangements at the venue were compromised, resulting in an incident that should never have occurred within our football structures.
We recognize that all stakeholders have a right to participate in and enjoy football in a safe, secure, and respectful environment. The events that unfolded are not reflective of the values, standards, and principles that the TRFA seeks to uphold. We regret the concern, disappointment, and negative impact that this incident has had on our football community.
The TRFA takes this matter seriously and will immediately review the shortcomings that contributed to the security breach. To prevent a recurrence, the region will strengthen match-day safety and security protocols, including stricter access control measures, enhanced security deployment, improved crowd management procedures, stronger protection for match officials, and the rigorous enforcement of disciplinary measures against individuals found to have engaged in misconduct.
The TRFA will review reports from match officials and relevant stakeholders and will follow the prescribed disciplinary processes in accordance with the rules and regulations governing football. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
We call upon all clubs, players, technical teams, supporters, and football administrators to uphold the principles of respect, discipline, and fair play. Violence has no place in football, and together we must safeguard the integrity, reputation, and future of the game.
The TRFA remains committed to restoring confidence in our competitions and ensuring a safe and conducive environment for all participants and stakeholders across the Tshwane Region. We appreciate the continued support, patience, and cooperation of the football community as we work collectively to strengthen our structures and protect the beautiful game.
Issued by:
Mr Tebogo Matlou
Acting President
Mr Sizwe Nkosi
Regional Secretary
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