Akbay slams officials after Mandava violence

Highlanders head coach, Erol Akbay, has slammed Premier Soccer League referees amid accusations that the latter are targeting the Bulawayo giants following the abandonment of their premier league match against FC Platinum away at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.

Highlanders led until the last minute when FC Platinum were handed a penalty after forward, Ralph Matema, had brought down former Bosso striker, Charles Sibanda, seemingly in the area. Highlanders felt the incident had happened just outside the box and missiles immediately began to rain down after Petros Mhari had converted the spotkick.

Speaking in the wake of the abandoned match, Akbay said his side is being handed a raw deal as the premiership witnessed the second abandonment of a premier league match involving Highlanders. 

“We are playing good football. I am giving my all but the referees are not recognizing my efforts. The call by tthe referee was shocking.a

“We cannot continue to have such officiating, ZIFA [Zimbabwe Football Association] must do something because this is bulls**t,” said a visibly frustrated Akbay.

Police fired teargas to try and control the crowd leading to more mayhem with players, the media and fans all not being spared before the game was abandoned.

The incident comes only weeks after Highlanders match against Dynamos was also abandoned following crowd trouble after officials had granted a Dynamos goal seemingly scored from an offside position.

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