PSL prosecutor Becker likely to prepare charges after reviewing video of City vs Maritzburg scuffle

26 February 2019 - 14:04 By Marc Strydom
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Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy intervenes during a player scuffle during the Absa Premiership against Maritzburg United at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on February 23 2019.
Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy intervenes during a player scuffle during the Absa Premiership against Maritzburg United at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on February 23 2019.
Image: Luigi Bennett/BackpagePix

Premier Soccer League (PSL) prosecutor Nande Becker says he will review the video evidence and then is likely to prepare charges following the unseemly scuffle in the tunnel during Saturday’s match between Cape Town City and Maritzburg United.

Fourth-placed City won the Absa Premiership game at Athlone Stadium against last-placed Maritzburg 3-2.

Becker said he had not yet viewed the videos of the incident that have gone viral on social media and been featured on Monday’s TV weekend review discussion shows.

However‚ it seems likely that City coach Benni McCarthy‚ despite his subsequent protestations that he was trying to act as a peacemaker‚ will be among those charged‚ as the videos appear to show him having been heavily involved.

“I’m getting video clips in and match commissioner’s reports and everything like that‚” Becker told TimesLIVE on Tuesday morning.

“So the investigation in that has already started. I will review the video evidence.”

The incident was sparked when United defender Rushine de Reuck received a second yellow card‚ and consequent red card and dismissal from referee Kulasande Qongqo‚ five minutes into injury time.

As De Reuck was heading for the tunnel‚ City assistant-coach Ryaan Jacobs also received his marching orders for words spoken. He entered the tunnel ahead of De Reuck.

There then appears to have been more words spoken from Jacobs in the tunnel‚ as De Reuck rushed in to be involved‚ which quickly escalated into a scuffle involving both teams’ benches.

McCarthy is seen entering the fray‚ then what appears to be the City coach’s arm is seen allegedly grabbing a Maritzburg official by the throat.

McCarthy then further‚ after the tunnel scuffle‚ is seen pushing Maritzburg conditioning coach Burger van der Merwe.

It also seems likely De Reuck and Jacobs will be among the people charged.

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