BULAWAYO City FC could be in trouble after their official stormed the pitch and charged at the referee in the municipal club’s 3-1 win over ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday.

City’s liaison officer Eddie Chivero, a popular football figure who was part of Philip Chiyangwa’s campaign team in last year’s ZIFA elections, allegedly confronted Gweru-based referee Thomas Masaa after the match.

The outspoken Chivero reportedly queried why the official turned down his team’s penalty appeal.

Masaa, who had a good game, booked a City striker for simulation in the second half, a decision that Chivero felt was harsh as the player appeared to have been pushed as he went for the kill.

“Chivero only went there to congratulate the referee for handling the game well and in the process asked about that decision and that is when all hell broke loose.

“Chivero claims the referee insulted him and the matter ended up being resolved at the police station where Masaa paid a $10 fine,” said the source.

As a result, City are likely to face misconduct charges under the league’s rules and regulations.

Part of Article 31 of the PSL rules and regulations states that a club faces punishment if “it fails to protect match officials against acts, attempted acts of violence or any other form of abuse before, during or after the match”.

Chivero could not be reached for comment, while City chairman Jerry Sibanda was said to be in meetings.

PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele said they would act after getting the match officials’ reports.

“I haven’t seen the referee and match commissioner’s reports as I’m in Ngezi planning for Saturday’s Chibuku Super Cup final between Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum.

“If the referee and match officials highlighted in their reports acts of misconducts, then we are going to take appropriate action against those mentioned.

“It’s either they will be summoned for a hearing or made to pay a fine,” Ndebele said.