Dedza Dynamos, CRFA in stand-off over replay

Dedza Dynamos have rejected a Central Region Football Association (CRFA) decision to have their abandoned Premier League match against Wimbe United replayed today in Kasungu.

The two sides met last Sunday at the same venue, but the game was abandoned in the 61st minute when a Wimbe player Justin Honde, who was shown a red card, refused to leave the pitch.

CRFA general secretary Bernard Chiruwiru Harawa said in an interview that after reviewing the incidents leading to the abandonment, they have ordered a replay.

He said: “We have arrived at this decision based on the information we got from both the referee and our match coordinator.

“We believe that the referee did not exercise enough patience prior to abandoning the match. He should have also consulted captains from both teams other than just walking out and later on declaring the postponement of the match.”

However, Dedza Dynamos general secretary Mabvuto Mugode yesterday insisted that they will not honour the replay.

He said: “We are shocked and surprised with CRFA’s decision as it does not reflect rules and regulations of the league. We feel the decision was reached based on opinion and not in accordance with the rules.

“In their communication to us, CRFA  did not cite which articles were contravened to necessitate the replay as stipulated in the rules and regulations governing this league.”

Dynamos also faulted CRFA for not considering the security of the referee, who they claim, was assaulted by the red-carded player.                                  

Mugode said: “The statement by CRFA that the referee should have exercised patience is not only misleading but also vague. The truth of the matter is that the game was stopped at 61st minute and the events that followed and the abandonment of the game took almost 57 minutes.

“The least we expected from the CRFA was to find out who caused the abandonment and apply the necessary measures as stipulated in Article 12.”