Fists Fly At Rugby Match
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday August 21, 2017 15:58
The fight started after an altercation between two players from Jaguars and Cheetahs, which saw a mass brawl break out between the two sides. The match official, Bucks Keopetswe wrongfully cautioned Cheetahs player, Kenneth Mothabane. After the card was issued, the match official realised his mistake after advice from the touchline judge.
Mothabane was called back into the field after five minutes. As the game progressed, Mothabane committed another foul and was given marching orders.Cheetahs coach, Gilbert Machobane told Monitor Sport that Jaguars was at fault.
“Jaguars’ player punched my player and he retaliated. Then the entire players got involved. The game was left with a few seconds and I am not sure what the Botswana Rugby Union will decide,” he said. Machobane said violence is not good in sport and should be condemned at all costs. He said as a club they always advise their players to behave even when they are provoked.
Meanwhile, Machobane said he was impressed by the way his charges executed the game plan. He said even if the game is to be replayed, they are still going to beat their opponents. Jaguars manager, Feddy Mutenheri equally accused Cheetahs of starting the fight.
“The game had to be called off due to ill discipline. The referee had to stop the game because three Cheetahs players punched my players. I was also embarrassed because one of the Cheetahs players manhandled me when I tried to intervene. Today, there was no spirit of rugby from our opponents,” he said.
Mutenheri commended the referee for stopping the game before things got out of hand. He raised concern that the officials could have controlled the game better. He said it was the first time to see such behaviour. Mutenheri said they are going to lodge a complaint at the Union about the incident and the match officials will file their report. He said whenever they host Cheetahs, they always give them good hospitality.