IRATE Harare City fans nearly manhandled Herentals owner and player Innocent Benza as they accused the 47-year-old of bribing referees following the Sunshine Boys’ defeat at Rufaro yesterday.

Controversial Midlands-based referee Thabani Bamala once again hogged the limelight for the wrong reasons in a game that produced two first-half goals plus a dubious penalty early in the second stanza.

Harare City had raced into a ninth minute lead through debutant Ashwin Chihowa before the exciting Juan Mutudza equalized five minutes later.

Bamala, who had to be escorted off the pitch, awarded Herentals a penalty in the 54th minute, which was converted by skipper Blessing Majarira, even though the ball appeared to hit Takudzwa Chimwemwe’s back as he attempted to block a Mutudza lob.

The controversial Bamala, who made headlines on April 7 when he denied CAPS United what looked like a clear goal in their Premiership match against Highlanders at Barbourfields, was at it again at Rufaro yesterday.
This time it was Harare City who felt cheated.

City coach Mark Harrison, who described yesterday’s game as scandalous, had no kind words for Bamala whom he accused of denying his side “two penalties” in the first half.State media