Mystery surrounds beating of Liwonde Medicals official
Controversy surrounds the beating of a Liwonde Medicals FC official after a Southern Region Football League (SRFL) Premier Division fixture against Changalume Barracks at Liwonde Community ground on September 29 2012.
Forty-nine-year-old Benard Masulani, whose right hand is now in a plaster of Paris (PoP), claimed in an interview on Monday that he was beaten up by Changalume players after the game, which the soldiers won 2-1.
“They shoved me down and stepped on my right arm with their military boots. I felt great pain because it was fractured and I was rushed to Machinga District Hospital after getting a police report.
“I cannot work at my carpentry and welding shop, which makes it difficult for me to fend for my family,” he said.
Changalume FC team manager Peter Nsaku distanced his team from Masulani’s claims.
“That person does not know what he is talking about. It was actually my players who were protecting the match referee (Felix Makolija) after Liwonde Medicals officials and fans were accusing him of bias towards us. How could we beat up somebody after winning the game?” Nsaku wondered.
In his match report to SRFL, Makolija says he was manhandled by Liwonde Medicals officials and that Changalume players were protecting him.
SRFL vice-general secretary Kingsley Simbeye confirmed receipt of the referee’s report as well as a complaint from Liwonde Medicals. He said a disciplinary hearing on the matter will take place soon.
