Terrified rugby ref tells how he fled ‘Die Hok’

Referee Aphiwe Mfana said he was forced to flee the field after drunk spectators began accosting players and officials during the ill-fated Kariega derby between Gardens and Progress at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium.

In a match incident report to the EP Rugby Referees body, Mfana explained that safety risks posed by an increasingly intoxicated and uncontrollable crowd were deemed too severe at “Die Hok” during an EPRU Grand Challenge clash on Saturday.

Mfana’s report was leaked a day after EP rugby bosses announced that they had banned “Die Hok” from hosting EPRU Grand Challenge derby fixtures between Gardens and Progress until significant security upgrades were completed at the facility.

The match between the clubs at the Kariega venue was called off late in the second half over serious crowd-control concerns after spectators invaded the field.

A fact-finding and debrief meeting was conducted on Monday between the presidents of both clubs, EP Rugby president George Malgas, deputy president Mbulelo Gidane, general manager Mzi Mpofu and additional executive members.

EP said an investigation into the shooting of a fan after the match was in the hands of the police 

The EPRU, Gardens and Progress have all committed to co-operate fully with investigators.

The shooting took place behind the pavilion a while after the game was called off when the assailant reportedly jumped a fence and opened fire on the fan, who was talking to other spectators.

The police confirmed on Sunday that Morne Matill, 48, had been shot in his neck and chest behind the pavilion.

In his report, Mfana said: “The match between Gardens and Progress was played in front of a large crowd and displayed a high standard of rugby from both sides during the first half and well into the second.

“The atmosphere was spirited and passionate, reflective of the derby’s significance in the local rugby calendar.

“However, during the second half, the crowd’s behaviour began to deteriorate significantly.

“Several spectators, evidently under the influence of alcohol and other substances, began encroaching upon the field of play.

“Despite two stoppages and requests for both teams’ management to assist in calming the situation, the intrusion intensified.

“Spectators flooded the field, jeopardising the safety of players, officials and themselves.

“With about six minutes remaining, Gardens scored a try.

“However, due to the density of fans on the field — many of whom were physically interfering with players and officials by splashing alcohol, grabbing at players and disrupting play — I was unable to safely award the try.

“At that point, I made the decision to vacate the field for the safety of myself and the players.

“Subsequent discussions with the match organisers, Gardens and Progress, including the Progress club president [Kosie Basson] led to the mutual agreement that the match could not continue under such unsafe conditions.

“The safety risks posed by an increasingly intoxicated and uncontrollable crowd were deemed too severe.

“The Progress president deemed the situation unsafe for his players too and withdrew them.”

In another leaked report, assistant referee Wiehann Strydom said the host team (Gardens) had failed to implement proper safety protocols.

“On several occasions, I, as the assistant referee, instructed spectators standing along the touchline to move back and clear the area,” he said.

“Despite repeated requests, the spectators did not comply.

“Furthermore, the host team failed to implement proper safety protocols, which contributed to the lack of control over the crowd.

“A particularly serious incident occurred after a try was scored by a Gardens player. Supporters of the host team entered the field of play and crowded the in-goal area.

“During this disturbance, alcohol was thrown, and some of it splashed in the referee’s face.

“At this point, we decided to remove ourselves from the field for our own safety, as we felt that the situation had become dangerous.

“This incident reflects a clear breakdown in match-day security and protocol, and we believe it should be addressed urgently to ensure the safety of all match officials in future fixtures.”

On Thursday, the Gardens executive issued a statement responding to events at “Die Hok”.

“Gardens Rugby Club wishes to respond to recent reports surrounding the regrettable incident during our highly anticipated derby against Progress Rugby Club.

“First, it must be stated that this was not the first time we have hosted such a major event at our home ground, affectionately known as ‘Die Hok’.

“In our proud history of hosting high-profile derbies, we have never experienced any safety breaches of this nature.

“The same security and operational protocols that have kept our matches incident-free for years were implemented once again this past Saturday.

“We took every precaution on our side. Official police support was formally requested for the event.

“Medical services were arranged and present at the venue.

“Crowd control plans, including intensified exit route management, were in place.

“Gardens Rugby Club has always prioritised the safety of players, officials and spectators. Our protocols were firmly in line with standard event safety practices.

“We must highlight, however, the long-standing challenge of infrastructure decay at our facility due to repeated vandalism and theft, particularly after the Covid-19 lockdown period.

“On numerous occasions, we have formally requested assistance from our local municipality. Unfortunately, those appeals have gone unanswered.

“We have documented communication on record reflecting these attempts.

“Most recent upgrades to our grounds have been made possible not through public funds, but through the sacrifices of ordinary citizens who believe in grassroots sport and have financially supported the club.

“In fact, we have even offered to take over the maintenance of the facility ourselves as a rugby fraternity to preserve and uplift the venue — again, without success.

“Following Saturday’s events, we were personally contacted by the president of Saru [Mark Alexander], who expressed concern and compassion for grassroots rugby.

“During this conversation, we conveyed the mounting challenges our rugby community faces in safeguarding our facilities without proper municipal backing.

“We challenge anyone to point to a single violent or disruptive incident involving Gardens Rugby Club in the last decade. There is none.

“We take pride in our role within this community — we are not just a sports team, we are a symbol of unity, discipline and shared identity for the people of Kariega.

“We remain committed to working with all stakeholders — including EP rugby, local law enforcement, community leaders and government authorities — to ensure that rugby continues to uplift, not divide, our people.”

The Herald