WATCH: Soccer player moers referee!

MATCH official assaulted in a shocking incident.

A soccer referee was assaulted allegedly by a player after a final match in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.

Incident unfolds at Hunterfield Stadium

The incident happened at Hunterfield Stadium on 4 January during the Makamo Festive Games final between Kathorus Juventus, and Snack Is A Snack Football Club.

In the video shared on social media, a soccer player can be seen assaulting a referee with open fists.

Ekurhuleni Metro Police rescued the referee.

The referee was taken to one of the Metro cops' cars as angry supporters also invaded the stadium, baying for his blood.

Allegations of poor officiating spark outrage

According to soccer fans who witnessed the incident, a player allegedly attacked the referee after the game.

"The losing team was not happy with how the referee officiated the match.

"He (the referee) awarded Juventus a penalty which looked dubious inside the box.

"Snack FC player cleared the ball, and a Juventus player screamed as if he was kicked inside the box, and the referee awarded the penalty," said a soccer player who asked not to be named.

Final score and rising tensions

He said the match was delayed for 20 minutes due to unruly supporters and players protesting on the field.

"The match later resumed, and a Juventus player converted the penalty to give his side the lead.

"Snack FC managed to level the matter 15 minutes later," he said.

Juventus scored the second goal in the dying minutes to secure a victory and win a whopping R120 000 first prize.

Supporters escalate violence and allegations of bribery

Soccer fan Tumelo Mzizi said all hell broke loose when one of the Snack players attacked the referee.

"It was like we were watching a boxing match as the player threw punches at the referee.

"He tried to run away, but the player closed his way as he assaulted him. Metro police who were at the stadium managed to rescue the referee," said Tumelo.

He said angry supporters joined the fight and wanted to assault the referee.

"One of the supporters pulled out a knife and was so close to stabbing the helpless referee.

"If it was not for the cops, the referee would have been skinned alive. They took him to their cars for safety reasons," said Tumelo.

He said Snack FC fans claimed that the referee wanted a bribe from their officials before the game in exchange for helping them to win the game.

Organisers condemn the incident and promise an investigation

Nathi Zwane, one of the organisers of the tournament, condemned the incident.

"The unpleasant scene we saw on that fateful day is not good for soccer. We hosted the tournament to promote kasi football and give soccer players a platform to display their talents.

"We've launched an investigation regarding this matter, and we are waiting for the referee and his assistance report," said Nathi.

He said they heard about the allegations of the referee demanding money from the losing team.

"These are allegations, but we cannot deal with them without proof," said Nathi.

The organiser said that a case had not yet been filed with the police.

He added that the organisers would take disciplinary actions against whoever was involved in an attack on the referee.