Referee flees for safety as Nedbank Cup match in South Africa descends into chaos after controversial penalty

A Nedbank Cup qualifying match in South Africa was halted after a serious incident involving the referee. The clash between Vondwe XI Bullets and Phalaborwa United in Limpopo province descended into chaos following a controversial decision late in the game, FARPost reports.

With ten minutes remaining and the score still 0-0, the referee initially awarded Vondwe XI Bullets a penalty, but after consulting with his colleagues, changed his decision and awarded a free kick instead. Soon afterwards, the referee once again overturned his verdict and awarded a spot-kick.

The decision sparked fury among the players, Phalaborwa United officials and the team's supporters. Tensions around the pitch quickly boiled over, forcing the referee to sprint off the field in an attempt to avoid a confrontation with the enraged crowd.

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South African police had to intervene to ensure the referee's safety. The match was abandoned, and the circumstances surrounding the incident could now be investigated by football authorities.