This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
On November 18, 2019, a significant development shook the South African football community. Cape Town City midfielder Mpho Makola, a 33-year-old former international, was handed a six-month ban for pushing referee Abongile Tom.
The incident occurred during a League Cup match when Kaizer Chiefs were awarded a penalty. Makola, who had to be restrained by his teammates, used both hands to shove the referee.
Although the offense was severe enough to warrant a red card, Tom only cautioned Makola, sparking widespread criticism of the lenient approach to discipline in South African football.
Match bans and fines are often reduced on appeal, leading to accusations that the system encourages bad behavior. In a previous case, a top-flight footballer was given a 12-month ban for spitting at a referee, only to see it reduced to six matches and a suspended fine on appeal.
With the Makola ban taking effect from November 15, he will miss the remainder of the 2019/2020 season unless Cape Town City reaches the FA Cup final on May 23.
