Silver Strikers have been handed a lifeline in their pursuit of the TNM Super League title in Malawi.
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has awarded Silver maximum points from their abandoned game against Red Lions.
Silver are now level on 45 points each from 21 games with leaders Nyasa Big Bullets, only a goal-difference separates the two giants.
Lions players walked off the pitch in protest over a penalty which referee Jimmy Phiri awarded the hosts at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on June 5 2021.
Sulom has since faulted the referee’s decision to award Silver the penalty.
“Based on the actions of the Red Lions’ Players, the Committee has found Red Lions guilty of abandonment of the game contrary to Article 21 (7) and (1) of the Sulom Rules and Regulations,” Sulom’s determination reads.
“Accordingly, the Committee hereby fines Red Lions the sum of MWK1, 000, 000.00 to be paid forthwith and in any event for their next game; and awards 3 (maximum) points and two goals from this game to Silver Strikers,” part of Sulom’s verdict reads.
Sulom further urged the National Referees Association to punish Phiri and his assistants.
“From the reports, it has been established that the referee Jimmy Phiri awarded a dubious penalty. The alleged handball did not happen. Such conduct from the referees is of great concern to us. We have made recommendations before the Referees Association to arrest the situation but to no avail.
“To show that this committee is desirous to improve the standards of football in this country, we hereby recommend to the Referees Association a ban to the match referee herein, Mr. Jimmy Phiri and his assistants for the rest of the season effectively immediately,” Sulom says.
Sulom has also awarded Moyale Barracks FC maximum points after their game, too, was abandoned following Mighty Tigers’ players decision to walk off the pitch in time added one.
Tigers were then leading 2-1 at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
On Sunday, skirmishes marred a league game between Karonga United and Silver at Karonga Stadium near the Northern Region border for Malawi and Tanzania.
The game was abandoned in the 87th minute after referee Mercy Kayira had awarded Karonga a penalty which Silver protested.