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Bongani Gadzikwa and Norman Matemera

THE Zimbabwe Referees’ Committee on Monday suspended assistant referee Bongani Gadzikwa with immediate effect for his dubious officiating in the game between Dynamos and Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium.

Below are some reactions to the suspensions lifted from some social media platforms.

Sibongiseni Mnkandla: Suspension of match officials has to continue . . . we can’t have Zifa, match officials, Dynamos and its journalists raping, destroying our beloved sport.

Tonderayi Chanakira: The referee should have overruled the lineman’s decision in this match, Hapana nyaya apa!

Xolani Ndlovu: Let’s not let emotions get the better of us without interrogating the facts ngoba uMatemera has previously been involved in controversial decisions against us. Lami ubuhlungu ngiyabuzwa, kodwa uma siwulandela kahle umthetho wenguqu siyazi ukuthi the assistant ref is the best positioned to flag an off side and the referee cannot overrule him unless the ball then becomes an advantage to the defending team. In the case of that disallowed goal, the assistant ref is to blame for the wrong decision, not Matemera.

Mako Gold: How many times have assistant referees got off side calls wrong? Plenty. It happened at the Copa America early this morning. Suspending Bongani Gadzikwa for his DeMbare v Bosso error is over the top and playing to the gallery. For heaven’s sake it was one bad call & not a series….They say they are investigating…investigating what?

Mkhululi Sibindi: While it is easy to understand the motives of yesterday’s officials we must also understand of those who are in charge of the official after such a shame is an action, against such substandard work. Do we have structural approach in terms of officiating in our game? Why is it the officials who always make selective application of law against Bosso (are) promoted to Caf and Fifa panels.

Alge WekwaChinyerere: That was not an offside, let’s not just argue to the gallery.

Tanya Soffie Mutova: let’s face it ….dat waz a clear goal . . . our team must neva depend on da referee

Oneday Gadza: How many goals have been denied or given under similar circumstances? This is purely judgment to the gallery. Mafu accepted defeat and never mentioned that scenario. When did they sit and assess the video to conclude that act. Suspending a referee for play error but retaining Zifa on mismanagement.

Drydan Mapondera: Referees committee is not fair when it deals with issues yema match officials. Caps United vs ZPC at the National Sports we were denied a legitimate goal but they turned a blind ear on us. Even hearing zvayo nothing. The referees committee needs to be fair to all teams.

Jerry Muropa: Indeed they themselves are making diabolical decisions in offices but because they are demigods no one censors them, what then is the need to further investigate if they have already made a decision.

Moses Zikadza: Justice wasn’t done becoz the referee liaised with his assistant and they appeared to be discussing something, meaning to say that they agreed on whatever they discussed so they both have to go.

Methembe Mihlaemihle Mpofu: Suspend MA foot rather train everyone to be of quality, who knows what package he was given to do the act.

Wankson Mavhunga: That shows how low Mukuna’s reasoning capacity is. He needs to go back to basics and understand the principles more. He must stop his impartiality. We hv seen lots of unfair decisions going against other clubs nd he never said a thing. The real conspiracy here is against Dembare and all other teams in the league.

Godfrey Mutemera: What a shame people are very angry about the assistant ref’s decision so let the Mmukunas officiate in all matches pitting his beloved team Bosso. How do you suspend a person without reports in favour of Mafu and company.

Lance Mupfawi: Let him go and rest. These are people who are tarnishing the beautiful game in our country.

Hardlife Dahwa: I do applaud the board for the suspension as it will put more pressure on them when such things happen in future. This will be a reference to use to complain. Well done guys everything has its beginning.

Faith Silandulo Dube: Sanitising the game of football in Zimbabwe shouldn’t be limited to anti Cuthbert Dube and Mashingaidze rantings, but getting rid of weevils like Bongani Gadzikwa et al. Asia-gate scandals started like this. Thanks you Referees Association!