The South African Football Association (SAFA) Head of Referees has warned club officials who vent their anger on match referees especially after losing games that action will be taken against them.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) Head of Referees has warned club officials who vent their anger on match referees especially after losing games that action will be taken against them.

Peter Sejake who is SAFA’s Head of Referees, said he was disappointed by among others, recent comments by Maritzburg United coach Ernst Middendorp who blasted referee Phillip Tinyane and later Victor Hlungwani following his club’s defeats to Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City.

Sejake said Tinyane a seasoned campaigner, was one of the most competent match officials while Hlungwane was a FIFA recognised match referee. He said while making errors was human, the two had performed very well in those two games.

“I want to warn club officials especially coaches to desist from reckless criticism of referees. We are still studying match reports from the Match Commissioners and once done, we will refer the matters to relevant authorities on the way forward,” said Sejake who hinted action might be preferred against Middendorp and those who continue to abuse match officials.

For example, Sejake says Tinyane was correct in denying Maritzburg what Middendorp insists was a clear goal, saying a foul had occurred long before the goal was scored. Maritzburg went on to lose that game 2-0.

“We can’t sit back while our referees continue to be unfairly abused, we are going to act and act hard because if we don’t, this might become a trend,” said Sejake.