Chaotic scenes at MTC NFA Cup match in Keetmanshoop

THE MTC NFA Cup first-round match between Rehoboth-based Deportivo Alaves and Premier League outfit Ramblers played at Keetmanshoop’s J Stephanus Stadium on Saturday descended into chaos.

It all started when referee Rheinhold Shikongo red-carded Deportivo Alaves goalkeeper Ben Spiegel for a dangerous tackle on Ramblers midfielder Raymond Awaseb. Spiegel vehemently protested being sent off and refused to leave the pitch, trying to lay his hand on the referee who retreated to avoid being hit by the goalkeeper.Within seconds, Deportivo’s other players surrounded the referee to protest against the red card.The referee then red-carded a second Deportivo player, G Goagoseb, for unruly behaviour.However, the second red card infuriated a third Deportivo player, L Khaseb, who allegedly swung a punch at the referee and promptly also received his marching orders.Deportivo’s coach Willie ‘Mistake’ Swartz, who came onto the pitch to reprimand his players, also had to be whisked off the field after he wanted to trade blows with Ramblers defender Michael ‘BMX’ Pienaar.Swartz, who is also a prominent Swapo leader, claimed Pienaar provoked his action.” I reacted on the spur of the moment,” Swartz told The Namibian afterwards.According to Swartz, Pienaar uttered provocative words to his players which led to him losing his temper.”Who the hell does Pienaar think he is?” Swartz said angrily.”He cannot just say what he wants about my players – as the Brave Warriors captain, his behaviour on the field was unbecoming,” he said.At one stage Deportivo players, who were sitting on the bench, threatened to assault the reporter for taking photos.One of them even went to the extent of blocking the reporter’s view by standing in front of his camera.Despite the delay, the match continued after police took to the field to restore order.The star-studded Ramblers team was the better team on the day winning 6-2, though Deportivo at times threatened with their attacking play.Spiegel vehemently protested being sent off and refused to leave the pitch, trying to lay his hand on the referee who retreated to avoid being hit by the goalkeeper.Within seconds, Deportivo’s other players surrounded the referee to protest against the red card.The referee then red-carded a second Deportivo player, G Goagoseb, for unruly behaviour.However, the second red card infuriated a third Deportivo player, L Khaseb, who allegedly swung a punch at the referee and promptly also received his marching orders.Deportivo’s coach Willie ‘Mistake’ Swartz, who came onto the pitch to reprimand his players, also had to be whisked off the field after he wanted to trade blows with Ramblers defender Michael ‘BMX’ Pienaar.Swartz, who is also a prominent Swapo leader, claimed Pienaar provoked his action.” I reacted on the spur of the moment,” Swartz told The Namibian afterwards.According to Swartz, Pienaar uttered provocative words to his players which led to him losing his temper.”Who the hell does Pienaar think he is?” Swartz said angrily.”He cannot just say what he wants about my players – as the Brave Warriors captain, his behaviour on the field was unbecoming,” he said.At one stage Deportivo players, who were sitting on the bench, threatened to assault the reporter for taking photos.One of them even went to the extent of blocking the reporter’s view by standing in front of his camera.Despite the delay, the match continued after police took to the field to restore order.The star-studded Ramblers team was the better team on the day winning 6-2, though Deportivo at times threatened with their attacking play.