mpho makola Cape Town City

Mpho Makola of Cape Town City. Photo: BackpagePix

Mpho Makola receives overwhelming support after “harsh” ban

The PSL gave Mpho Makola a six-month ban for shoving referee, Abongile Tom.

mpho makola Cape Town City

Mpho Makola of Cape Town City. Photo: BackpagePix

There has been an outcry over the severity of the sanction handed out to Cape Town City player, Mpho Makola for shoving a referee.

The midfielder could miss out on the rest of the season after a Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee found him guilty of assaulting Abongile Tom, who was officiating during their Telkom Knockout Round of 16 encounter against Kaizer Chiefs at Cape Town Stadium in October.

For his troubles, he was handed a hefty six-month ban, which could his season as it comes to effect on the day the sanction was pronounced, which is Friday, 15 November.

How Mpho Makola landed in hot water 

Makola, a former Bafana Bafana player, found himself on the wrong side of the law when a penalty was awarded to Chiefs, who went on to win the game on penalties.

Tom ruled that City defender Taariq Fielies had handled the ball in the 28th minute of the game.

Makola led the protest from the hosts, and aggressively manhandled the referee, before a shove, which landed him in hot water.

However, Tom would take the generous approach in handing down punishment for a transgression performed on him, only giving the 33-year-old a yellow card.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Daniel Cardoso went on to miss the penalty.

Watch Mpho Makola shove Abongile Tom here:

PSL players rally behind behind Makola

The support for Makola first came from Cape Town City, who vowed to challenge the decision.

The criticised the decision from the league, claiming the sanction did not fit the crime. 

“Whilst we don’t condone his misconduct against the referee, the club and football fraternity must fight for our player over a correct sentence.

“The sentence for misconduct against a referee is a 4-match ban, perhaps the correct determination.”

Kagisho Dikgacoi

The Citizens’ sentiments were echoed by players past and present, with the likes of former Crystal Palace and Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi voicing their opinion.

Dikgacoi went on to recommend a five-match ban plus a fine for a transgression of that nature.

“I didn’t see him assaulting the referee, unless if shoving is considered assault and I have seen players shoving each other, then that also should be considered assault,” he said. 

Kagisho Dikgacoi

Makola was also backed by teammate, Mark Mayambela, who shared a message of support.