Mpho Makola of Cape Town City during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville on the 20 August 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Mpho Makola handed hefty ban for assaulting referee
Mpho Makola looks likely to be out for the rest of the season after collecting a six-month ban for a shove on referee Abongile Tom.
Mpho Makola of Cape Town City during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville on the 20 August 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Cape Town City midfielder Mpho Makola is set to sit out the bulk of the remainder of the season, after receiving a six-month ban for assaulting a match official.
The 33-year-old escaped with just a yellow card during the Telkom Knockout round of 16 encounter against Kaizer Chiefs, after making contact with referee Abongile Tom.
Mpho Makola banned for six months
The matter was referred to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee and, on Friday, it was revealed that he had been found guilty of assaulting the official, and subsequently handed a ban, which will see him miss out on the rest of the season.
“The PSL Disciplinary Committee has handed a six months ban to @CapeTownCityFC player, Mpho Makola,” the PSL Tweeted on Friday. “Makola was found guilty of assaulting match official, Abongile Tom during the Telkom Knockout fixture against @KaizerChiefs at Cape Town Stadium on 19 October 2019.”
Premier Soccer League
The incident occurred in the 28th minute of the clash, which was decided via a penalty shoot-out after ending in a one-all draw.
Kaizer Chiefs were awarded a penalty after Tom ruled that Cape Town City defender Taariq Fielies had handled the ball inside the box.
Makola ran towards the referee, protesting the decision before manhandling and pushing him. He was given a yellow card for his troubles.
Chiefs defender, Daniel Cardoso skied the penalty, hitting the post as things remained deadlocked at 0-0.
Watch the incident that landed Makola in hot water here:
With the sanction taking effect on the day of pronouncement, as opposed to when the incident occurred, this means that Makola will be out of action for the rest of the league season, and will likely be eligible to play on the day of the Nedbank Cup final.
The attacking midfielder joined the Citizens after he was released by Orlando Pirates, following a seven-year career with the Soweto giants.
He has made 12 appearances in all competitions for his club, scoring once, in what would be his last appearance before the ban – the 5-3 win against Polokwane City.
Makola has represented South Africa 11 times, netting two goals.
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