Their attacks on match officials seemed to gain momentum every time they failed on the field of play. They were a frustrated lot and desperate to find a scapegoat for their team's problems. Referees were often the closest and easiest targets. Supporters hurled abusive words at them and some even had the audacity to physically attack the match officials, blaming them for the team's demise.
While it was not all the supporters, the shared view was that Gunners supporters had turned into hooligans. Few will forget the incident when a referee officiating in a Coca Cola match between Gunners and Orapa Wanderers was ruthlessly and mercilessly beaten with an assortment of "weapons" from vuvuzelas, bottles, wood and even iron bars. But the rowdy behaviour did not just start two or three years ago. Retired referee, Oneeleng Mpulubusu, once faced the full wrath of the Gunners' supporters in Lobatse. Israel Malepa was perhaps the latest casualty when his car tyres were punchered in Lobatse just after he finished officiating at one of their games two years ago.
